People & Nature category, second place: Return to the Wild

‘Capital Kiwi team members gently lifted two large kiwis from their boxes, offering a rare, intimate glimpse of these taonga before release into a 23,000-hectare sanctuary – reclaiming a home unseen for over 150 years. This photo of a precious manu being cradled speaks volumes, capturing the deep care, reverence, and hope.’

Photograph: Tony Stoddard

#photography
#NZ
#conservation
#birds
#kiwis