9 beautifully intimate photos that capture the raw vulnerability and power of endangered species that could be lost forever

Award-winning wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein often finds himself in trouble for his uncompromising approach to highlighting the plight of endangered animals.

In his new book Nine Lives, Paul makes no bones about his anger towards humanity's attitude towards wildlife conservation. But the book itself is a beautiful collection of stunning images and powerful stories that force us to confront the peril that faces these nine species, from polar bears to cheetahs. Here are some of our favourite images from the book.

• Polar bear riding enormous frozen whale among National Geographic's best photos of 2025
• Post-kill polar bear among 20 epic images from Nature Photographer of the Year 2025

• Remembering Rhinos: stunning photographs of the iconic rhino

• These incredible, brutal jaguar photos reveal the lethal power and fierce cunning of these top predators

• Polar bears and climate change: Separating fact from fiction

• A mother's love: beautifully intimate photos that capture the loveable and unbreakable bond between a leopard mother and her adorable cubs

Discover more incredible wildlife photography:

• A mother's love: 13 beautifully intimate photos that capture the loveable and unbreakable bond between a leopard mother and her adorable cubs
• Extraordinary close-up of spider thread wins Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition
• Snoozing sloths and dazzling bees: Close-up Photographer of the Year 2025 shortlist revealed

'Nine Lives' by Paul Goldstein will be published by Unicorn Publishing in January 2026.