Snapper Stripped Of Prize Over 'Fake' Wolf Pic
The winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year has been stripped of first place after judges decided the animal featured in the picture was likely to be a "model". Related photos / videos [image: Snapper Stripped Of Prize Over 'Fake' Wolf Pic] The image capturing a wolf leaping over a gate received praise for its "fairytale quality" when it beat competition from thousands of entries in October last year. Winning photographer Jose Luis Rodriguez strongly denies the wolf is a model, according to competition organisers. Louise Emerson, from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition office, said: "The judging panel was reconvened and concluded that it was likely that the wolf featured in the image was an animal model that can be hired for photographic purposes and, as a result, that the image had been entered in breach of Rule 10 of the Competition." Rule 10 says photographs of animal models may not be entered and that offending images will be disqualified. The panel also consulted experts in their decision, according to Ms Emerson. "The judging panel looked at a range of evidence and took specialist advice from panel judges who have extensive experience of photographing wildlife including wolves," she said. "Any transgression of the competition rules is taken very seriously and if entries are suspected of breaching the rules they are disqualified." Rodriguez's image will now be removed from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, currently being held at the Natural History Museum. Organisers confirmed first place will not be re-awarded as judging is always done "blind" so an objective choice can be made about the winner. -- With best wishes SC Batra
