Make a donation
The Museum is a charity and we rely on your support.
Make a donation today and support our 350 scientists who are working to build resilient habitats, protect vulnerable species and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
Britta Jaschinski's Image
The audience cheered as this cowed Asiatic black bear was forced to perform tricks. As Britta watched, camera in hand, the trainer kept looking over to her, but it was only after the performance that they confronted her. Happy with what she had captured, Britta ran, proud to have ‘documented this cruel performance to share it with the world’.
In 2010, the Chinese State authorities banned all animal performances at zoos and animal parks, but nearly 40 per cent of attractions still fail to comply. The practice is horrifically cruel with the animals neglected and starved to ensure obedience on stage. Many are captured from the wild, wrenched from their homes to dance for audiences’ pleasure.
Behind the lens
Britta Jaschinski
Germany/UK
Britta has won numerous international awards and works with authorities, charities and environmental organisations to document crimes against wildlife and nature. Her images are published worldwide in magazines, newspapers and books and exhibited in galleries and museums. When not on assignment, Britta is busy speaking at photo festivals or conservation events with large, international audiences.
Image details
- Nikon F4
- 50mm lens
- 1/125 sec at f5.6 • Kodak Tri-X-Pan 400 film
- Guilin, China
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
More images from Britta Jaschinski
View all
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.