Australian photographer Jono Allen has been named the World Nature Photographer of the Year after capturing a rare and breathtaking image of a white humpback whale calf in the waters of Vava’u, Tonga.
The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPAs) announced their 2026 winners following thousands of entries from around the world.
Jono received the top award and cash prize of $1000 for his extraordinary photograph capturing the unique bond between the rare white humpback whale and her mother.
Reflecting on the experience, Jono described the encounter as unforgettable.
“Sharing this moment with Mãhina and her protective mother is a memory that will live with me forever. It was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary days I have ever experienced in the ocean - and perhaps ever will. To be announced World Nature Photographer of the Year through capturing this unique mother and calf bond has made what was already a truly life-changing encounter even more profound and humbling. I feel beyond honoured to receive this award.”
Mãhina
Photographed in the tropical waters of Vava’u, Tonga, this rare white humpback calf - named Mãhina, meaning “moon” in Tongan - glowed like a beam of light as she travelled through the deep blue water with her protective mother.
Jono noted the calf's striking white colouring made the moment both breathtaking and symbolic.
"With only 1 in 40,000 humpbacks born with this lack of pigmentation, her presence was not only breathtaking but symbolic. Watching this spectacular and curious moon white whale calf play and roll through the water represents the remarkable success story of a species given the chance to recover after being heavily targeted by whaling and once being brought to the brink of extinction. Considering the resilience of this awe-inspiring species, sightings of such rare individuals renews hope in what can happen when conservation is championed and wildlife is allowed to thrive. Mãhina is a living reminder of what is possible when conservation works - a species once on the brink, now rebounding."
The 2026 photographic competition attracted thousands of entries from photographers across 51 countries and six continents, highlighting the beauty, fragility and power of the natural world.
Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs, said, “As the awards continue to grow, so too does the diversity and quality of work submitted from across the globe. This year’s winning images are a powerful reminder of both the wonder of our planet and the importance of protecting it. We congratulate Jono and all of our category winners on their outstanding achievements.”
The World Nature Photography Awards were founded on the belief that small positive actions can help shape the future of our planet and that photography has the power to influence perspectives and inspire change.
The winning photo is shared with Matangi Tonga for this report, courtesy of Jono Allen and the World Nature Photography Awards
