While swimming off the coast of Lady Elliot Island in Queensland, Australia, photographer- Diver Mark Fitzpatrick encountered a sea turtle swining towards him. He decided to take a photo at just the right moment.
Fitzpatrick submitted his photo of "Terry the Turtle" to the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The competition blends comedy and conservation, received approximately 7,000 entries all over the world this year. Terry was chosen as one of the contest's 42 finalists in September and then announced as the overall winner Last Weel.
Fitzpatrick said, In a statement, how amazed he was by the reaction to his photo:
"With Terry giving people a laugh in what has been a difficult year for many, as well as helping spread an important conservation message.
I hope Terry the Turtle can encourage more people to take a moment and think about how much our incredible wildlife depends on us and what we can do to help them. Flippers crossed that this award puts Terry in a better mood next time I see him at Lady Elliot Island!"