French photographer Emmanuel Tardy has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming one of the 100 finalists in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. His photograph titled "No Place Like Home" was selected from an impressive pool of 60,636 submissions for the 2025 edition of this globally renowned nature photography contest, organized annually by London's Natural History Museum.

The 57-year-old amateur and self-taught photographer from the Chartres region expressed his disbelief at the achievement, saying "I read the email three times to make sure." His winning photograph captures a sloth clinging to a barbed wire post in Costa Rica, creating a powerful visual statement about the intersection between wildlife and human-modified landscapes.

For Tardy, the image represents much more than just a wildlife photograph. He describes it as depicting "the contrast between the wild world and the domestic world created by humans," calling it "a sad photo that demonstrates the division being created between man and nature." The photographer added, "I think we are definitively taking over nature and this particularly touches me." His work reflects a deep commitment to biodiversity conservation, which aligns perfectly with the competition's mission to reward artists worldwide who are engaged in preserving our natural world.

The photograph wasn't planned, as Tardy typically focuses on capturing wild animals in their natural habitats. "It's difficult to photograph a sloth because it only comes down from the trees once a week to relieve itself," he explained. The opportunity arose during a traffic jam caused by the animal crossing the road, allowing Tardy to approach on all fours and capture this poignant moment that would later resonate with judges and audiences alike.

In his daily life, Tardy works as a regional director for a personal services company, but his passion for wildlife photography drives him to share his travels and animal encounters through his website naturanossa.com and Instagram account. Through these platforms, he invites the public to respect and contemplate the living world, using his photography as a tool for conservation awareness and education.

His photograph, classified in the "Urban Wildlife" category, has already gained recognition as one of the favorites in the competition. On August 27, it was among 15 images that received a special jury mention, highlighting its exceptional quality and impact. "My real satisfaction is being among the 100," Tardy said. "For me, the most beautiful reward is being selected for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 exhibition."

The exhibition will tour the world, beginning at London's Natural History Museum from October 17 through July 12, 2026. "It's something quite incredible, really," Tardy reflected on having his work displayed alongside the world's best wildlife photography. This global exposure represents not just personal achievement but also an opportunity to share his conservation message with audiences worldwide.

Despite this significant achievement, Tardy's photographic ambitions continue to drive him forward. "The real photo I want to take is that of the wolf. It's the animal I've never encountered yet," he revealed. "But for now, I'm keeping it as a somewhat inaccessible dream." This statement reflects the ongoing passion and dedication that characterizes serious wildlife photographers, always seeking that next meaningful encounter with nature that could result in both artistic and conservation impact.