Shocking Image of Zebra Head Trophy Seized By US Customs Nominated For Major Wildlife Photo Award
The haunting photo is set to raise awareness of the horrific trade in wildlife trophies, particularly those imported into the US.
‘License To Kill’ by Britta Jaschinski. Credit: Britta Jaschinski / Wildlife Photographer of The Year
A haunting image of a zebra head trophy has been chosen as one of the best wildlife photos of the year.
‘Licence to Kill’, by photographer Britta Jaschinski, is shortlisted in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award.
The image was taken as part of a collection of photographs that show animal products seized at airports and borders around the world.
In this particular photo, the zebra head was confiscated by border police in the USA. It is thought that the hunter was unable to show proof that the zebra was killed with a license.
With the border police moving the zebra ‘trophy’ in a shopping trolley, Britta says the photo poses the question: “wildlife or commodity?”.
The striking photo is a stark reminder of the devastating result that wildlife products have on dwindling wildlife populations. Campaigners have repeatedly called for the US government to finally instate a ban on importing animal trophies to help protect species from the brink of extinction.
Jaschinski’s nomination is the latest in her effort to use photography to raise awareness of animal issues around the world. She co-founded Photographers Against Wildlife Crime, an international group of photographers who have joined forces to use their iconic images to help bring an end to the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetime. And her work was also recently covered in the groundbreaking new book HIDDEN, which collects the unflinching photography of over thirty photojournalists working on the frontlines of issues affecting animals.
"An incredibly graphic and shocking image, the violence of it shown indirectly. The loathsome dominance and consumerism depicted completely”, photojournalist and We Animals founder Jo-Anne McArthur, said of License To Kill. “Take a moment to vote for this image so that it can achieve maximum visibility worldwide, and further the conversations we so badly need to continue about our rampant animal use."
You can vote for Jaschinski’s image by visiting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s website here. And to see more of her work and photographs, visit www.brittaphotography.com.
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The footage was reportedly recorded at Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York, where up to 22,000 dogs - mostly beagles - are being bred for animal experimentation.