Walsall youngster wins prize in young photography competition with striking zebra snap from West Midlands Safari Park
A youngster from Walsall has been recognised for her outstanding image in the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
Vanaiya Gill was named the winner of the Mobile Phones & Devices category at a ceremony at the Tower of London on December 18.
The judges said they were impressed with the 12-year-old from Walsall's mind-bending optical illusion picture of two zebras at West Midlands Safari Park.
Vanaiya said: “It was my first time visiting West Midlands Safari Park with my family and, as we drove around in our car, it felt like we had stepped into a nature documentary.
"I was taken aback by the zebras, their bodies blended together, their stripes blurring into a dizzying swirl, creating a beautiful optical illusion, trying to confuse us as if we were predators.
“What caught my eye especially was how the sun shone onto the zebras' backs, creating a dynamic effect of light and shadow.
"I took the photo on my mum's phone, eagerly wanting to capture this moment, and was amazed and actually quite surprised at how wonderful it looked, creating confusion in the herd.
“It’s my first time entering so it’s really exciting - when my mum first told me I was shortlisted when I got home from school one day, I thought it was a joke.
"My dad used to be a professional photographer and now he just does it as a hobby, so I’ve picked up some tips from him.
"I do have a proper camera, but I prefer taking pictures on a phone as I can just snap a picture when I see something interesting wherever I am.
“Birds are one of my favourite animals to photograph, but I am really proud of this zebra image - I think it’s my favourite picture I’ve ever taken.”
Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device.
The 2025 awards were judged anonymously by a panel of photography experts, including professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; former competition winner turned professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; wildlife photographer, tour leader and owner of Natures Images, Danny Green; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Brett Harkness.
RSPCA photographer and judge Andrew Forsyth said: “This year’s entries have been of an incredibly high standard that made it very difficult for us as judges.
“It’s been lovely to see so many creative photos of both pets and wildlife and see how the youngsters have interpreted each category in what has been an incredibly strong competition.
“This competition is a great way to encourage young people to go out and connect with nature, and the fantastic images we’ve seen this year have been very inspiring. There are some beautiful pictures in this year’s winners gallery, with real talent shining through.”
Presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya, a former Blue Peter presenter, hosted this year’s awards.
He said: “Young people are the future and that's why I know the future is in safe hands because I'm constantly blown away at the talent and the ability and the creativity of many young people around the country.
"This is epitomised by the entries in these incredible awards.
“Thousands of people have entered, so to even make the shortlist is testament to their skill, dedication and patience. It's been a special day with special people.”
Jo Rowland, RSPCA chief executive, said: “Taking pictures of animals helps us sit up and take notice of how they live and their unique personalities, as well as being able to spot things we might not have seen with the naked eye.
"It can make us appreciate the challenges that wildlife face or see our pets in a whole new light and sharing those beautiful images can help others to appreciate animals more, too.
“The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is a fantastic event celebrating exceptional young talent and the amazing and wonderfully diverse animal kingdom each year.
"It really embodies what we are about as a charity, encouraging people to connect with animals and inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.”
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 opens for entries on Tuesday, May 5. For more information visit the RSPCA website for all the latest news, galleries and photo tips.
