UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Commended
'Nerpa, the Baikal Seal'
Dmitry Kokh

Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake and home to the Baikal seal, known locally as nerpa, which is endemic to the region. The females give birth in March, in burrows on the frozen lake. In a few weeks the fur of the newborn pups becomes grey, and they are ready to explore the depths of the lake. Looking for Baikal seals under thick ice can be incredibly difficult, and takes many dives to get lucky. The view underwater is phenomenal - huge ice blocks are layered on top of each-other forming caverns and passages, and all you’re thinking about is the endless ceiling of ice above you. The only way back is a small hole in the ice 100m away - a precious window back to our world.
Young seal pups are not shy, they are very curious and this fella was quite surprised to see a strange creature heavily loaded with gear!

Judge's comment: The cuteness of this animal is just overwhelming. Despite the fact that it's not a very creative shot, all judges just loved the minimalistic composition and the moment of the encounter enough to have it placed in UPY. Well done!
Tobias Friedrich