The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2025 has unveiled its selection of 40 finalist photographs that showcase nature's most humorous and endearing moments. The annual competition, which celebrates wildlife through a comedic lens, features images ranging from surprised lions to clumsy penguins, demonstrating that animals possess their own sense of comedy and timing.
Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the competition has grown exponentially, now attracting thousands of participants from around the globe. This year's contest received over 10,000 submissions from photographers across 108 countries, marking a record-breaking participation that reflects the competition's international appeal. The diverse range of entries includes work from both professional and amateur photographers who have captured fleeting moments where animals appear to express human-like emotions.
Beyond the entertainment value, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards carries a serious conservation message. The competition aims to raise awareness about wildlife preservation and support organizations dedicated to protecting animals and their habitats. For the 2025 edition, the event continues its collaboration with the Whitley Fund for Nature, a British conservation organization committed to sustainable wildlife protection efforts.
The finalist photographs demonstrate the perfect balance between technical photography skills and spontaneous wildlife behavior. Images include works such as "Where Did My Nest Go?" by Alison Tuck from Great Britain, "Draw Me Like One of Your French Girls" by Michael Stavrakakis from Australia, and "High Five!" by Mark Meth-Cohn from Great Britain. Other standout entries feature titles like "I Surrender!" by Stefan Cruysberghs from Belgium, "A Little Smile for the Photo" by Valtteri Mulkahainen from Finland, and "Faceplant on the Dance Floor!" by Paula Rustemeier from Germany.
Additional notable finalists include "Can You Stop, Honey?" by Massimo Felici from Italy, "Want to Play Hide and Seek?" by Henry Szwinto from Great Britain, and "Yoga Class for Lemurs" by Andrey Giljov from Russia. The collection also features "Bad Breath" by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka, "Go Away!" by Annette Kirby from Australia, and "I Wish I Were King Already" by Bret Saalwaechter from the United States.
The competition serves as a unique platform where humor becomes a vehicle for environmental engagement, making animal conservation more accessible, universal, and deeply human. By capturing animals in seemingly comedic situations, these photographers create an emotional connection between viewers and wildlife, fostering greater appreciation for biodiversity and the natural world.
The winners will be announced on December 9 in London, followed by a public exhibition at Gallery Oxo from December 10-14. This event provides visitors with an exclusive opportunity to view how humor can effectively promote planetary conservation efforts. The exhibition represents a unique chance to discover how comedy photography can serve as a powerful tool for wildlife advocacy, making conservation messages both entertaining and impactful for audiences of all ages.
