Welcome to the delightful world of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, where the charm and humor of our animal friends light up our hearts! This year, talented photographers from around the globe submitted an impressive collection of whimsical wildlife images that celebrate nature’s funny side.

The anticipation surrounding the finalists of the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has reached a fever pitch. This annual celebration invites artists from every corner of the planet to share their comical encounters in the animal kingdom. With a record-breaking 10,000 entries from 108 countries, the competition showcases not just skillful photography but also the deep bond between humor and wildlife conservation.

Esteemed co-founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam created this quirky contest to merge splendid wildlife photography with laughter, all to promote the conservation efforts needed to protect our precious ecosystems. As we explore the finalists, let’s reflect on each enchanting story and the joy they bring.

This year’s collection reflects an extraordinary range of amusing snippets, from animals engaging in playful antics to breathtaking moments that exemplify the unpredictable nature of wildlife. Noteworthy entries include animals tangled in headlocks, sharing high-fives, and even a gorilla breaking into an impromptu dance.

Mark Meth-Cohn recounts his unforgettable encounter with a playful young gorilla while trekking through the Virunga Mountains, where a large family of gorillas was foraging nearby. One particularly sprightly juvenile showcased his acrobatics through pirouettes and tumbles. Mark managed to immortalize this playful spirit, leaving viewers with a sense of pure joy.

Another finalist, Annette Kirby, caught a captivating moment in Japan, observing a White-Tailed Sea Eagle protecting its lunch from potential rivals. Capturing this majestic bird in its natural setting, Annette’s photography emphasizes the strategies animals adapt in their quest for survival.

Henry Szwinto provided a delightful portrait of a Sri Lankan elephant playing peek-a-boo with its own ears, inviting everyone to share a smile. This signature moment reminds us that nature is full of surprises and that even the mightiest can engage in playful behavior.

Liliana Luca shared an endearing image of a crowned sifaka lemur who, after enjoying a tasty meal, licked its fingers with an expression of curious grace. It’s moments like this that remind us how closely our lives intertwine with the animal world, inspiring both wonder and laughter.

As we move through the list of finalists, we are treated to mesmerizing photographs that illustrate the delightful interactions animals have with each other. From two Bridled Guillemots engaging in a territorial dispute to Asian water monitors captured in a seemingly affectionate struggle, the humor and charm of nature shine through in each frame.

Jessica Emmett captured a heartwarming moment dubbed “Battle Hug,” where two Asian water monitors engage in an amusing contest near a busy park pathway. Their struggle is anything but serious, reminding us that even in competition, there can be love and light-heartedness.

The competition is alive with energy as the expert judges prepare to select the top entries. The winners will be celebrated on December 9th at an Awards Night in London, after which an exhibition will showcase all selected works, engaging guests in the charm of wildlife storytelling.

This initiative is an invitation to everyone, novice and professional alike, to embrace the joy that nature offers. The goal? To foster awareness about wildlife conservation while simultaneously filling our hearts with laughter.

READY TO SHARE A SMILE? Spread the joy on social media and let your friends join in on the laughter!