The photographer saw this wildebeest calf shortly after it was born in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. Little did he know that he would witness its death later that same day; the small herd of wildebeest walked right past a pride of lions and the calf was caught by a lioness and then taken by this male lion.

The Natural History Museum in the UK has shortlisted its nominees for the 2016 People’s Choice Award for wildlife photography.

From playful polar cubs to the horrified last gaze of a wildebeest calf, these images are guaranteed to astound.

Voting for this year’s competition ends on January 10, 2017. 

You can cast your vote for best wildlife photographer here, and be sure to share your favorite with @NHM_WPY on Twitter using the hashtag #MyWPY.