Wildlife in focus

Stunning images from the world's largest and most prestigious wildlife photographic competition will go on display at the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology today (18 August).

Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year is transferring from the Natural History Museum in London.

The exhibition will be free of charge and features over 90 dramatic images of wildlife from around the world, short-listed from over 18,000 entries.

The winning image, Beast of the Sediment, by Göran Ehlmé of Sweden, shows a walrus whipping up the sediment at the bottom of the sea as it gorges on bivalve shells.

'It's got everything, the feel of the picture is interesting, your attention goes straight to the eye. A very simple graphic image showing interesting behaviour” said chairman of the judges, Mark Carwardine, of the piece when he awarded the prize at the end of 2006.

Julie McArthur, Events Officer at the museum said: "We are pleased to host this prestigious exhibition and hope that visitors to the museum will gain a rare insight into the beauty of the natural world through these evocative images.”

“As well as showing the artistry involved in wildlife photography, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year also aims to encourage a new generation of photographers to produce visionary interpretations of nature.”

The Museum of Zoology is on Downing Street and the exhibition runs from Saturday 18 August 2007 until Sunday 23 September 2007.

Admission is free and opening hours are Monday to Friday 10.00 to 16.45 and Saturdays from 10.00 to 13.00. There will also be a special Sunday opening for the last day of the exhibition from 14.00 to 17.00 on 23 September. For more information, telephone 01223 336650 or visit the website by clicking on the link.

The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, and is sponsored by Shell'.