UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Commended
'Critically endangered cuban crocodile in a cenote'
Anita Kainrath

We went to Cuba specifically to meet this wild, critically endangered Cuban crocodile living in one of the cenotes in the Zapata National Park. This small crocodile was shy at first, but after a couple days, began to trust us. The water was very murky and after observing him (and having Shane Gross go in first to see if it was safe - thanks Shane for being my guinea pig) I stepped into knee deep water to get a few pictures (seems to be my most productive way to get images?).
I never thought I would be in water with a wild crocodile, especially not a critically endangered one (there are fewer than 4000 left). My heart was beating fast. This image shows his personality very well I think. Curious, confident and unique. A few weeks after I took this picture huge rains flooded the cenote and he wasn’t seen again.

Judge's comment: I really like this crocodile portrait. What draws me to it most are the miriad of colours. It reminds me of a painting, using all the subtleties possible.
- Martin Edge