<p>This rare photograph of a Siberian tiger embracing a tree in Russia’s Far East won Russian photographer Sergey Gorshkov the top distinction of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.</p>

This rare photograph of a Siberian tiger embracing a tree in Russia’s Far East won Russian photographer Sergey Gorshkov the top distinction of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Photograph by Sergey Gorshkov, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

See the best wildlife photos of 2020

A rare, hopeful image of a Siberian tiger in Russia's Far East won Russian photographer Sergey Gorshkov the honor of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

A Siberian tiger bathed in dappled light stands on her hind legs and embraces an ancient tree. Her eyes are squeezed shut, her mouth is pulled into what looks like a blissful smile, her cheek is pressed against the bark. It’s a moment of pure beauty: Siberian tigers are highly endangered, but this one, notably, is at peace.

For his photograph of this rare, fleeting moment, called “The Embrace,” Russian photographer Sergey Gorshkov has won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year, awarded today by London’s Natural History Museum.

“It’s a scene like no other. A unique glimpse of an intimate moment deep in a magical forest,” said Roz Kidman Cox, chair of the judging panel, in a press release. The photograph

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet