Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Heart To Heart

Observing chimpanzees in Kibale Forest was a challenge. They were high up in the trees or moving fast across the forest floor. Following them it was a matter of shooting fast when they sat down for a moment. We were meant to keep a 5m distance to the animals, only they didn't stick to the rules themselves. One chimpanzee came so close that I couldn't even get his entire face in the photo. It was the closest I've ever been to a chimpanzee and a very moving experience. - Kibale Forest, Kibale National Park, Uganda. - Status IUCN Red List: Endangered

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Uganda
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Ingrid Vekemans