This lacks the drama that would be necessary to make it work in this category

i wish that one blade of grass wasn't so distracting, and the bright glare of the skin at the bottom there. maybe a slight crop could enhance this shot. overall very sweet.

I like the abstract nature of the composition, but don't care for a captive animal for the "Wild" theme. Theme aside, it would be a stronger image without the specular highlights at lower left, the bright diagonal stick, and the out-of-focus greenery through he middle of the frame. I don't suppose removing the distracting stick and greenery was an option, but moving the flash or a bit of cropping at the bottom could have helped with the highlights.

Wish I could see some of the head...