‘Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards’ Reveals Hilarious Animal Photos

In the wild, even predators pause for playful moments. That’s the message behind the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, which just announced its 2024 finalists. Among the forty shortlisted images, viewers will find a chimpanzee deep in thought, a fish chasing an eagle and a photogenic fish with teeth.

These hilarious snapshots are meant to make people laugh, but they’re also part of a growing movement to promote conservation. According to Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager Marketing of Nikon Europe, “These images not only capture the humor and charm of wildlife, but also emphasize the importance of nature conservation in a way that appeals to people of all ages.”

Capturing comedy in the wild

Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards aims to showcase wildlife in a fun, approachable way. This year’s competition received almost 9,000 entries from 98 countries, with photographers invited to submit their best funny moments captured in nature. The People’s Choice Award can be voted on publicly on the competition website.

The overall winner of the competition will receive a week-long safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya, a fitting reward for a competition that focuses on wild beauty and biodiversity. Last year’s winner Jason Moore claimed the top prize with a humorous shot of a western gray kangaroo in Australia, affectionately titled ‘Air Guitar Roo’.

Each year the awards support a conservation organisation, and in 2024 they will partner with the Whitley Fund for Nature. The British charity funds conservationists across the South and supports projects that protect wildlife and preserve habitats.

Increase awareness

At first glance, the match may seem like a light-hearted diversion. But Sullam, the co-founder, emphasizes its deeper mission. “It is a privilege to be part of this exciting journey, which makes us all laugh and raises our awareness about animal protection,” he explains.

From a practical perspective, the mix of humor and photography offers a powerful means of raising awareness. As environmental challenges become more pressing, light-hearted images provide an accessible entry point to reach a broader audience. Maier added: “We are extremely proud to be part of a competition that brings both joy and awareness to the wonder of our natural world.”

As the awards ceremony on December 10 approaches, expectations grow. The winners will be announced in London, followed by a public exhibition at Gallery@Oxo, where all the finalists’ works will be shown from December 10 to 16.