The best of National Geographic's 2012 photo contest

"Penguins adrift on iceberg during a heavy snow storm in Antarctica." (Joshua Holko/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"The subject's name is Busaba, a well cared for Indochinese Tigress whose home is at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand. I had taken many portraits of Busaba previously and it was becoming more and more difficult to come up with an image that appeared any different to the others. Which is why I took to observing her more carefully during my visits in the hope of capturing something of a behavioural shot. The opportunity finally presented itself while watching Busaba enjoying her private pool then shaking herself dry. In all humility I have to say that Mother Nature smiled favourably on me that day!" (Ashley Vincent/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"These three Atlantic Spotted Dolphins were acting playful for a few minutes so I swam over to join in. When I got close the dolphins came together as if they were going to discuss my presence. One of them seemed to say something then they did a little dance and were on their way. Amazing animals, I felt very lucky to capture the moment." (John Gaskell/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"This cow is looking very happy." (Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"Baby of elephant seal relax on the beach." (Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"This Sargassum Frog Fish was in a net floating of the Kona coast. These are rare fish for us to see here so a unique opportunity to get a shot of such a large one." (Deron Verbeck/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"I followed these two big bucks around the NCC Greenbelt in Kanata, Canada for an hour or so during the rutting season. They finally came out to an open field and started to play fight or so it seemed. No buck was injured and I was the only one really happy about the fight." (James Cumming/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"This small baby is about a few hours old." (Ondrej Zaruba/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"This mother cheetah, with 5 cubs nearby, made it clear that her limits had been met (or exceeded)." (Scott Belt/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"Spotted this male lion while on safari in Kruger National Park. His disdain for the light clearly shows his imperiousness for those around him." (Michaela May/National Geographic Photo Contest)

"Our trekking group came across the second in command in a 17 large family of mountain Gorillas. We found him sitting in the middle of a old poacher track. Although he was calm and relaxed in our presence, his eyes told a story of a violent past and an ever awareness of potential threats in his tropical wilderness." (Joshua Meltz /National Geographic Photo Contest)