Jo-Anne McArthur has been honored with the esteemed Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award for her poignant photograph capturing a heartfelt moment between a man and a gorilla. The image depicts Pikin, a gorilla once targeted by poachers for bushmeat, finding solace in the embrace of her caretaker, Appolinaire Ndohoudou. Pikin’s journey from peril to sanctuary, facilitated by the intervention of Ape Action Africa charity, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of wildlife amidst human-induced challenges. Ndohoudou’s compassionate connection with Pikin, rooted in shared experiences of displacement and restoration, adds depth to the touching narrative portrayed in McArthur’s photograph. Selected from a vast pool of entries in a competition hosted by the Natural History Museum, “Pikin and Appolinaire” will be prominently featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, offering viewers a glimpse into the profound bond between humans and wildlife.