Flying rescue

Brent Stirton's Image

Virunga National Park pilot Anthony flies two orphan chimpanzees to safety at the rehabilitation centre.

The babies were rescued from traffickers following a tip-off from locals. Baby chimps have little meat value, but are often sold as pets or for animal shows. At this stage they are unlikely to survive without specialist care, needing formula milk and regular balanced meals.

Read more about Brent's time at the Lwiro Chimpanzee Rescue Centre and the volunteers who dedicate their lives to caring for the chimps.


Behind the lens

Brent Stirton

Brent Stirton

South Africa

Brent is a Senior Correspondent for Getty Images. He does most of his work for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on the intersection of humans and the environment.

Image details

  • GoPro Hero 7
  • 1/250 sec at f8
  • ISO 200
  • Lwiro, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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.

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