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Australian Photographer Wins UPY 2026 with Stunning Seal Pups

2/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Matty Smith from Australia won the UPY 2026 for his photograph 'Rockpool Rookies,' selected from 7,900 entries.
The image features Southern elephant seal pups on the Falkland Islands.
Smith described capturing the pups learning to swim as a defining moment.
Dr. Alex Mustard, chair of the judging panel, noted that elephant seals were nearly hunted to extinction for their blubber.

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Story summary

Matty Smith from Australia won the UPY 2026 for his photograph 'Rockpool Rookies,' selected from 7,900 entries.
The image features Southern elephant seal pups on the Falkland Islands.
Smith described capturing the pups learning to swim as a defining moment.
Dr. Alex Mustard, chair of the judging panel, noted that elephant seals were nearly hunted to extinction for their blubber.