TORONTO.- The Royal Ontario Museum is hosting the exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year until March 23, 2014 in the ROM’s Level 3, Centre Block. The exhibition is based on an internationally recognized photography competition, a partnership between BBC Worldwide and London’s National History Museum (NHM). Originating 49 years ago, the WPY is nowone of the NHM’s most successful and longest-running exhibitions. Canadian Geographic is a media sponsor and programming partner for the ROM engagement.

“The artistry, imagination and skill on show reveal that wildlife photography can be a true art form,” said Rosamund Kidman Cox, Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. “Congratulations to the Centre of Biodiversity at the ROM on their North American debut of this important exhibition.”

“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition demonstrates excellence in science communication, with breathtaking images and profound commentary by the world’s best photographers,” says Dave Ireland, Managing Director, ROM Biodiversity. “The Centre of Biodiversity at the ROM is proud to present the North American premiere of the show, and we’re excited to engage Canadians.”

“We look forward to co-presenting workshops, lectures and other engagement opportunities with ROM Biodiversity, Canadian Geographic and others exclusively for the WPY exhibition,” states Neil Ever Osborne, iLCP Conservation Photographer and Environmental Visual Communication Program Director. “This exhibition provides an important platform to explore the connections between art, science, and academia for our students, faculty and ROM visitors."

“At Canadian Geographic, we are excited about our partnership with the Centre of Biodiversity at the ROM toward engaging Canadians about this prestigious international exhibition,” said André Préfontaine, President and Publisher, Canadian Geographic. “Given the range of stunning photographic art and impressive visitor engagement experiences, the WPY exhibition is a must-see for conservation and nature enthusiasts.

A highly accomplished wildlife photographer, 22 year old Stefanison has five stunning images included in the WPY display at the ROM. In addition to Stefanison’s work, images captured by international competitors from over 90 countries are included in the WPY exhibition. Similar to the other WPY international venues, the ROM’s exhibition features over 100 images, from a pool of over 43,000 international entries received in 2012. Depicting landscapes, wildlife, and marine life, the ROM display, consisting of custom made LED light boxes, is divided into sections covering 11 adult categories, four special award categories, and three children’s categories. This year’s Grand Title winner is Essence of elephants by Greg du Toit from South Africa, and the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year Grand title winner is Mother’s little headful by Udayan Rao Pawar of India.