Los Angeles, CA (July 5, 2023) — In partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation and Nature’s Best Photography, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) will present the West Coast premiere of an exhibition, on view July 14 – October 9, featuring photographs and videos from the 2022 Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards, named in honor of the late, iconic African leader and former Tanzanian President, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa.
The exhibition presents more than 40 award-winning photographs and videos selected from over 9,500 entries from 57 countries — each chosen by a panel of remarkable judges that includes accomplished wildlife photographers, leading conservation professionals, highly regarded safari guides, and youth conservation activists — and provides an incredible look at African wildlife as well as the challenges many species face in the present day. Those who work tirelessly to make the modern world a more sustainable place for wildlife of all shapes and sizes, including researchers, rangers, activists and other conservationists, are highlighted throughout the exhibit.
“The winning photographers in the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards demonstrate how crucial modern conservation efforts are — both in Africa, around the world, and even locally,” said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC). “Our dedication and contributions to biodiversity research locally and globally makes NHM the right organization to partner with the African Wildlife Foundation and Nature’s Best Photography and the perfect venue for this show to make its West Coast debut.”
Categories for the awards include African Conservation Heroes, Coexistence and Conflict, African Wildlife at Risk, Fragile Wilderness, African Wildlife Behavior, African Wildlife Portraits, Africa’s Backyard Wildlife, Art in Nature, Creative Digital, Mobile, Africa in Motion/Video, Youth Photographer of the Year: Africa and Youth Photographer of the Year: International.
"We aspire for the Mkapa Awards photography exhibit to give viewers an emotional connection to Africa and our iconic wildlife, and we hope it inspires them to be part of transformative action for African conservation,” expressed Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation. “We believe there is a future for Africa where people and wildlife both thrive, and that future depends on values and choices being prioritized today."
A list of award winners and finalists can be found here.
About the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC)
The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects. Using these collections for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, the museums also incorporate them into on- and offsite nature and culture exploration in L.A. neighborhoods, and a slate of community science programs—creating indoor-outdoor visitor experiences that explore the past, present, and future. Visit NHMLAC.ORG for adventure, education, and entertainment opportunities.
About Nature’s Best Photography Awards
Nature’s Best Photography is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to document and celebrate the natural world through the art of photography, film, and public storytelling. The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa.
About African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science, and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands. Read more at awf.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
press@nhm.org