Laugh and vote: top picks from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Pensive chimpanzees, hippos with extravagant hairstyles, angry lionesses with their better half, here are the funniest shots of this edition of the famous photo competition

Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the prestigious Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards aims to promote wildlife conservation through humor. This year, it drew nearly 9,000 photographers from around the world, each submitting images that capture the amusing side of the animal kingdom.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until October 31, with the winners to be announced on December 10, 2024. The competition includes 40 photos, four series, and three videos. Let’s enjoy the spectacle!

A tern’s tumble caught on camera

Photographer Damyan Petkov snapped an unlucky black tern mid-fall, just as it lands in a less-than-graceful position. This photo captures the bird’s unexpected flop with perfect comedic timing.

A furious lioness

In one shot, a lioness appears furious – what did her companion do to provoke her?

Those who argue and those who pray

Among the entries are animals with strikingly human expressions, some seeming to quarrel, others in a state of contemplation or prayer.

Lemur on the cricket field or dance floor?

Andy Rouse’s shot of a lemur looks like it could be either batting for a cricket team or grooving to music – maybe both?

An optical illusion with zebras

Photographer Sarosh Lodhi has crafted an amusing optical illusion, photographing two zebras that blend into one another to look like a single animal.

Owls in love

Two owls exchange affectionate pecks while their young one stands off to the side, eyes closed as if embarrassed by the scene.

A Hippo with style

In Artur Stankiewicz’s photo, a hippo sports a stylish, almost salon-ready look, looking quite pleased with its new “do.”

A thoughtful chimpanzee

One entry features a chimpanzee in deep thought, sparking curiosity about what might be on its mind.

The “Furry Ninja Series – Toetp”

Among the series finalists, “Furry Ninja Series – Toetp” stands out, showcasing an agile bear cub as it performs amusing acrobatic maneuvers.

To see the full list of finalists and cast your vote, head to the official competition page – the choice is yours!