Guardian of the Mangroves – Overall Winner. Tanya Houppermans, Cuba. A curious American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) swims right up to Tanya, at Gardens of the Queen (Jardines De La Reina), an archipelago off the coast of Cuba. It has been strictly protected since 1996, and is one of the most untouched marine ecosystems in the world. ‍ “The healthy population of American crocodiles is down to the pristine condition of the mangroves and I wanted to capture close ups of this gentle giant in its natural habitat. I hope this image can illustrate that protecting areas like this is so critical”. (Photo by Tanya Griffin Houppermans/Mangrove Photographer of the Year)

Twin brothers Keith (L) and Deano Stapleton (R) interact with one another as people gather to witness the winter solstice on December 21, 2022 in Newgrange, Ireland. Crowds are gathering at Newgrange in Co Meath, this morning for the winter solstice – the astronomical phenomenon that marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, it is the jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East and was constructed approximately 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“The white lion is not a distinct subspecies, but a special morph with a genetic condition, leucism, that causes paler colouration akin to that of the white tiger; the condition is similar to melanism, which causes black panthers”. – Wikipedia

Photo: One of two rare white lion cubs from Mogo Zoo on New South Wales South Coast is seen at a photo call at Lavender Green, Luna Park on November 23, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gets on a custom made World Trade Center inspired motorcycle in front of the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site on October 5, 2011 in New York City. The motorcycle was designed by Paul Teutul Jr. of the television show “American Chopper” and was built to commemorate the rebuilding of the World Trade Center Site. Another motorcycle, nearly identical to the one unveiled, will also be built by Paul Jr. and raffled to raise money for the 9/11 Memorial. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A concept illustration of the world's first forest in the sky, the Bosco Verticale green twin towers currently under construction in Milan, Italy. Towering over the city skyline the world's first forest in the sky will be a sight to behold. With tree equal to one hectare of forest spanning 27 floors these 365 and 260 foot emerald twin towers will be home to an astonishing 730 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 ground cover plants. (Photo by Boeri Studio)

Mike “The Bedfordshire Bull Botteley” (left) takes on Chris “The General” Levy during a Chessboxing bout at the Scala nightclub on March 10, 2012 in London, England. A new hybrid sport combining chess and boxing in alternate 3 minute rounds, the winner is the one who knocks out or checkmates their opponent first. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

“The Volkswagen Microbus Concept Car (also known as the Volkswagen New Microbus and Volkswagen Microbus Concept) was a concept car recalling the original Volkswagen Microbus and first presented at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. The new Microbus was completely modern compared to its predecessor, featuring a 7-inch screen in the center console and a second ceiling-located 7-inch screen that allowed the driver to see behind the vehicle”. – Wikipedia

Photo: A Volkswagen Bulli concept vehicle is displayed during the New York International Auto Show April 21, 2011 in New York City. The New York Auto Show is one of the largest auto shows in the country. (Photo by Ramin Talaie/Getty Images)

A one-month-old wolf cub ululate as zookeeper Luo Yong plays guitar at the Chongqing Yongchuan Safari Park on March 27, 2008 in Chongqing, China. Luo has worked as a keeper in the wolf zone of the park after he graduated university. Luo has developed a special way to communicate with the wolves by trying to imitate the noises they make. He also teaches wolf cubs to ululate and some wolves will howl along when he plays guitar. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)