A striking photograph of a rare light-colored otter capturing a fish along the banks of the Aquidauana River in Brazil's Pantanal is making waves in the wildlife photography scene. This image, taken by photographer Daniela Anger in August 2025, has been nominated for the People's Choice Award at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, organized by the Natural History Museum in London. The otter's unusual coloration, attributed to a rare genetic condition called leucism, adds to its appeal and highlights the unique biodiversity present in this region.

The competition has narrowed down to 24 captivating photos, selected from more than 60,000 submissions sent in by photographers, researchers, and scientists from 113 countries. Anger's photograph stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its representation of the rich ecosystem within the Pantanal, a crucial wetland ecosystem known for its diverse wildlife. The nomination brings attention not only to the beauty of the otter but also to the significance of preserving such habitats.

Voting for the People's Choice Award allows the public to engage with wildlife conservation efforts and highlights the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world. As the competition progresses until its final announcement, Anger’s work serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing wildlife and the need for sustainable practices to ensure that remarkable animals like this rare otter continue to thrive in their natural environments.