In a world increasingly dominated by video content, still photography continues to hold significant power, capturing moments and offering detailed perspectives on global events, according to Goats and Soda's top photo stories of 2025. The selection highlights the joys and struggles of daily life, particularly within the Global South.

One featured story focused on the ethical concerns surrounding the confinement of a polar bear at the Dalian Forest Zoo in China. The photographs, part of Zed Nelson's book "The Anthropocene Illusion," showcased the stark contrast between the bear's limited enclosure and its natural habitat, which can span up to 31,000 square miles. Nelson's work explores the broader theme of humanity's impact on the planet, illustrating how humans are reshaping the Earth in ways that often disregard the well-being of other species. The images prompted discussions about animal welfare standards in zoos and the ethical responsibilities of institutions that house wildlife.

Another photo exhibit, "Sahy Rano," was displayed at the Photoville Festival in Brooklyn, New York. The exhibit focused on [add details about the exhibit if available in source].