'Hope for Ninu' wins Impact Award at Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Hope for the Ninu, Jannico Kelk

Jannico's striking photograph of the greater bilby—or ninu in many Indigenous languages—was selected from over 59,000 entries, bringing well-deserved attention to this threatened species. 

We’re thrilled to celebrate former Arid Recovery intern, photographer, and ecologist Jannico Kelk, who recently won the prestigious Impact Award at the Natural History Museum’s 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

For Jannico, the journey to capture the elusive bilby was years in the making. “I’ve been going to Arid Recovery for five years, over four different visits,” he recalls. “On the first visit, I only saw one bilby. On the second, after three or four months of solid photography, I only managed one lousy photo.” But the payoff came after a period of heavy rain—125 mm, which allowed bilby numbers to increase. “Finally, I was able to get a photo,” Jannico says, reflecting on his persistence and the unique challenges of photographing Australia’s threatened small marsupials.

As an intern at Arid Recovery, Jannico wasn’t only there to learn; he also contributed his talents as a photographer. “Taking gorgeous photos of our wildlife has made such a difference in how we communicate our work,” says Kath Tuft, Arid Recovery Chief-Executive, “and how we reach new audiences.” Many of the images you see on Arid Recovery website and in our online communication use photographs taken by Jannico. His award-winning image now reaches an even broader audience, amplifying the impact of conservation efforts for bilbies and other threatened species, like the western quoll and burrowing bettong.


Jannico has photographed many of our reintroduced species, including the burrowing bettong.Aamish Warren, an Arabana Ranger who has worked with Arid Recovery and Jannico, emphasised the power of Jannico’s work in raising awareness. “Winning the competition just brings more eyes and more audience for the work that the Ranger Programs and Arid Recovery do.” Aimish remarked, "it would good to see bilbies back on Country." 

Beyond the technical skill of his photography, Jannico’s passion lies at the intersection of science and traditional knowledge, which he believes is essential to understanding and protecting Australia’s unique landscapes. “Photography has the ability to break down barriers,” he explains. “It lets people see bilbies, appreciate their beauty, and understand that our country is worse off without them.”


While Jannico was trying to photograph the bilby, he was lucky enough to snap this incredible photo of a western quoll. We love how Jannico's photograph reflects the deep connection between art, science, and the natural world. His work not only showcases the beauty of the greater bilby but also reminds us why these small creatures, and the ecosystems they represent, deserve our attention and care. 

His message to aspiring conservation photographers is simple but powerful: “If you want to bring change with photography, get your camera, keep taking photos, and share your love of wildlife.” We couldn't agree more!