From Digital Camera World · · 1m
Tapir Rescue in Costa Rica Rainforest
Two men save a tapir from flesh-eating parasites at midnight in Costa Rica.
In brief
Two men save a tapir from flesh-eating parasites at midnight in Costa Rica. Michiel van Noppen captured a tapir being treated for screwworms in Costa Rica's rainforest at 17 minutes past midnight. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Midnight Tapir Rescue
At 17 minutes past midnight, two men in the Costa Rican rainforest fight to save a tapir from a flesh-eating parasite.
“At 17 minutes past midnight, two men in the Costa Rican rainforest fight to save a tapir from a flesh-eating parasite.”
Tapir Infested with Screwworms
A Baird's tapir has a large open wound and scars from screwworm infestation.
“A Baird's tapir has a large open wound and scars from screwworm infestation.”
Screwworm Threat in Costa Rica
Screwworms were eradicated from Costa Rica over 40 years ago but illegal livestock trafficking has recently brought them back.
“Screwworms were eradicated from Costa Rica over 40 years ago but illegal livestock trafficking has recently brought them back.”
Photography Details
Michiel van Noppen shot the image using a Canon EOS R6 at 1/25 sec, f/5.6, ISO 8000 with flash.
“Michiel van Noppen shot the image using a Canon EOS R6 at 1/25 sec, f/5.6, ISO 8000 with flash.”
Why This Shot Works
The flash freezes the tapir while the headtorch glow shows the team working in darkness.
“The flash freezes the tapir while the headtorch glow shows the team working in darkness.”
Fritz Pölking Prize
Michiel van Noppen will receive the Fritz Pölking Prize 2026 at the International Nature Photography Festival on 23 October.
“Michiel van Noppen will receive the Fritz Pölking Prize 2026 at the International Nature Photography Festival on 23 October.”
The main idea
Michiel van Noppen captured a tapir being treated for screwworms in Costa Rica's rainforest at 17 minutes past midnight.
