The 2026 winner is “New Home” by Emily Urfer.

Jo-Anne had this to say about the winning photo:

I love the action. People helping, the cage tilting, Capone looking out and very alert and engaged. He has been through so much and is about to land on his feet again with the hard work of the folks in the picture, and many others.

The runners up are:

GFAS and Tigers in America thank all the photographers for using your creativity to bring attention to big cats in need and the amazing work of sanctuaries.

These photos along with prior year winners are stored in the Awareness section of our website.

Winner of the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

Guest judge Jo-Anne McArthur had this to say about the photo:

I love the action. People helping, the cage tilting, Capone looking out and very alert and engaged. He has been through so much and is about to land on his feet again with the hard work of the folks in the picture, and many others.

Runner up in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“In fall 2022, the Secret Garden in Las Vegas was closing after the Mirage’s sale, forcing all animals to be re-homed. The Sarmoti (Siegfried & Roy) Foundation chose WildCat Ridge Sanctuary for lifetime care of some of their tigers, including Maharani.”

Runner up in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Top Cat was originally part of a breeding pair (with enclosure-mate Millie) at an unaccredited roadside zoo in Ohio. They were surrendered together due to the changing legal regulations that were enacted in the state after the 2011 Zanesville Massacre. They arrived in 2013. Top Cat has been neutered, so there is no chance of accidental pregnancy, in keeping with our no-breeding policy.”

Runner up in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Kylo Ren was a surprise cub, being born two months after his parents were rescued. Because his mother did not nurse or bond with him, he was raised by sanctuary caretakers. When he was a few months old, he bonded with two other rescued cubs, forming the sanctuary’s famous ‘Jedi Boys.’ This beautiful, loving boy adores nose-diving into his pool, playing on his playground, and leading his brothers into plenty of mischief. Though full of playful energy, he has a deep affection for his human caretakers, frequently greeting them with warm chuffs and fence rubs. Captured here in a rare, quiet moment between naps, his gentle expression reflects a lifetime of safety and the profound trust he shares with those who have loved him since the day he was born.”

Runner up in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Scout was born in 2014 at a notorious breeding facility in Florida with his brother Atticus. They were pulled from their mother and sold to a roadside zoo. There they were used as photo cubs for the first 12 weeks of their lives.”

Runner up in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Rescued as a rowdy, distrustful five-month-old from a facility that couldn’t match his high-energy needs, Anakin found the companionship and guidance he craved when he was introduced to Kylo Ren and Kenobi to form the legendary ‘Jedi Boys’. Once he learned to trust his caretakers, this adventurous, warmhearted ‘rebel’ truly blossomed. Today, he is a rambunctious boy who disrupts the ‘force’ by tearing across his playground, tackling blue barrels, and diving headfirst into his pool. As the most intensely food-motivated of the trio, his focus is legendary—a trait captured perfectly here as he locks eyes with the camera, fiercely claiming a massive block of ice to conquer a relentless, hot Texas afternoon.”

Finalist in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

Finalist in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Griffen is a male Bengal tiger who arrived at The Wildcat Sanctuary in 2016.

“He and his two brothers, Zeke and Dimitri, along with their aunt Pandora, were part of what was called ‘the largest rescue of big cats in U.S. history.’ They came from a notorious speed breeding, pay-to-play facility in Colorado that had been shut down.”

Finalist in the 2026 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Rescued from an unhealthy Wisconsin breeding facility alongside her brothers, India is a beautiful, boisterous, and brilliantly smart girl who lives life strictly on her own terms. As one of the smartest females on the property, she is incredibly quick to learn, highly vocal (especially at dinner), and serves as our self-appointed, slightly obsessive ‘snoopy neighbor’ welcoming new residents. We are incredibly lucky to care for this playful, curious, and majestic girl, whose moments of quiet grace are as captivating as her big personality.”