Polar bears usually swim below the surface. Their nostrils can shut off, but their eyes remain open for orientation and hunting prey.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

Polar bears usually swim below the surface. Their nostrils can shut off, but their eyes remain open for orientation and hunting prey. The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

When swimming, polar bears use their forepaws as paddles and their back paws as a rudder. The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

When swimming, polar bears use their forepaws as paddles and their back paws as a rudder. The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

A polar bear's coat is excellent insulation against the cold. Water runs easily off the hair, which is hollow and transparent and directs sunlight onto black, heat-absorbent skin. The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

Children's Award - Individual awards