Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Jeff Yonover (United States of America)

Rajan snorkelling

'Swimming under water with such a massive land animal was unforgettable. This Asian elephant is called Rajan, caught as a youngster for the Indian Andaman Islands logging trade - now banned. It takes a daily dip with a handler. I captured the moment it ducked its huge head under water, using its trunk as a snorkel.' An elephant's trunk is an elongated nose, but it uses it for much more than breathing. It can pick leaves from trees and grass from the ground. It can use it to put water in its mouth and to greet other elephants. A trunk can also signal to enemies, and grip sticks so the elephant can scratch its skin.

Nikon D2X + Nikon 10.5 fisheye lens; 1/100 sec at f10; Subal ND2 housing.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.