With so many wonderful entries, the selection panel had some tough choices to make this year. Final decisions were down to Sophie Green, who heads up our SFS Junior Selection Panel. You can see the results below – many congratulations to all the shortlisted artists.
11 Years & Under
Moo Deng by Christopher Simmons (age 11)
"Moo Deng is a baby pygmy hippopotamus who was born last year in Thailand, but she has already risen to be one of the most famous animals in the world because she's really fun and also a little bit wild! Her name means 'a bouncy pork' in Thai, which is funny because she likes to bounce and splash in the water. In the painting, Moo Deng is poking her head out of the water and you can see her shadow too, but it looks muddy and squishy. I tried to make the water look all messy and cool like in the jungle where she lives. Pygmy hippos are officially classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (EN). In their natural habitat, pygmy hippos live inland in forested areas alongside rivers, streams and swamps so they can keep their skin damp. "
A Tale of Scars by Edrie Zie (age 11)
"I chose a King Cobra not to show fear but how beautiful snakes can be. People often view snakes as scary animals but that is not true. King Cobras are delicate, shy and beautiful creatures not bloody thirsty killers. They only attack in self defence or to protect their eggs."
The Last Voice of the Pangolin by Nathamon Thongthai (age 11)
"The relentless hunting of pangolins remains a devastating threat, as their scales and meat are illegally trafficked, especially for use in traditional medicine and rare luxury dishes. This brutal exploitation is pushing many pangolin species to the brink of extinction. I am determined to be a voice for the voiceless, to cry out for the urgent end of pangolin hunting, and to make that cry echo louder across the world."
12-16 years
Star of Madagascar by Bondar Kira (age 15)
" The title of the painting "Star of Madagascar" is a reminder that every star can someday go out and it is inevitable. But humanity with its actions accelerates the moment of its disappearance by poaching, illegal trade and destruction of its environment. I emphasize that we should try to prolong the existence of this turtle as long as possible. It is an artistic reminder of the beauty that we can lose forever."
Every Life is Beautiful by Mikhail Omar (age 16)
"Playful and gentle, these mountain zebras remind us that every life is precious. I focused on capturing their unique stripes and close bond. Each line reflects their individuality and beauty. Through this artwork, I hope to inspire others to look closer and help protect our incredible wildlife"
Fading away by Rhidita Islam (age 16)
"The helmeted hornbill in a dramatic mid-flight--but its wings are coming undone and feather by feather, it's fading away. The piece captures the stunning bird's tragic extinction; survival still in motion yet the end quite near. "
17-18 years
Red Pandas of the Verdant Realm by Alexandra Rosu (age 17)
" I've always been drawn to its expressive eyes and vibrant fur, which inspired me to portray it in a vivid, dreamlike world. Despite its charm, the red panda faces growing threats from deforestation and climate change. Through this piece, I hope to spark a sense of wonder and urgency to remind others that even the most enchanting creatures can vanish if we don't protect their fragile homes.
Lemur Family on a Tree by Edward Park Yoon (age 18)
"I have been always interested in Lemur since I was a child because of their distinctive looks and behaviors. I deeply feel sorry that this peaceful creature is extinct. I really hope their habitat in Madagascar gets better one day. In my painting, I portrayed a lemur family being mischievous yet loving. "
Confined Hopes by Erin Kim (age 17)
"One of the common reasons why chinese pangolins are currently at risk of extinction is due to their usage in medication, especially in South East Asian countries. To portray this, my art piece shows a chinese pangolins captured within a medicine bottle where many of its kind are unfortunately in."
Results will be announced on November 19th, at the Oxo Gallery private view in London, and shared online shortly after. Winners receive printed certificates. The winner in the 17-18 age category will be invited to contribute an artwork to our On the Brink 2026 collection (sold on a 50/50 basis with the artist – optional participation).