Is it permissible to do wildlife photography as a hobby?

The Ahaadith prohibit one from taking photographs of animate objects. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam is reported to have said,

“Verily the severest of punishment on the day of Qiyaamah is for those who take pictures (of animate objects).” Yet in another narration it is mentioned that pictures makers will be punished on the day of Qiyaamah and told, “Enter life into that which you have created.”

Obviously no person has the ability of giving life to a lifeless object. In another narration of Bukhari Sharif, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam cursed people who take pictures. There are many other such narrations that include severe warnings for taking pictures unnecessarily.

Based on the above, it will not be permissible to take pictures of wildlife; hence one should refrain from such futile activities.