The winners of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were announced recently, and they are just the fun tonic all of us need. Founded in 2015, this contest reveals hilarious photos of animals in the wild from all over the world every year. This year's winners have once again managed to show us the comedic side of the animal kingdom. Some of the winning images include a baby otter being dragged on a swimming lesson by his mother, an elephant taking a mudbath, a group of raccoons sharing a “secret,” along with many other animals in amusing poses and situations.
Scroll on and enjoy the funniest wildlife photos of 2021.
Related: 15 Funny Pics from the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards
"I Guess Summer's Over" By John Speirs, Spectrum Photo Creatures In The Air Award And Affinity Photo People's Choice Winner
The photographer was taking pics of pigeons in flight when this leaf suddenly landed on the bird's face.
"Ninja Prairie Dog!" By Arthur Trevino, Alex Walker's Serian Creatures On The Land Award Winner
This Bald Eagle missed its attempt to grab this prairie dog who then went on to startle the big bird and make its lucky escape.
"Time For School" By Chee Kee Teo, Creatures Under The Water Award Winner
"A smooth-coated otter “bit” its baby otter to bring it back to and fro for swimming lesson."
"See Who Jumps High" By Chu Han Lin, Highly Commended
A mudskipper in Taiwan appears to have found an appreciative audience.
"The Green Stylist" By Gurumoorthy K, Highly Commended
This chameleon from India's Western Ghats looks happy to pose.
"The Joy Of A Mud Bath" By Vicki Jauron, Amazing Internet Portfolio Award Winner
An elephant takes delight in a mud bath against the dead trees on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on a hot afternoon.
"Majestic And Graceful Bald Eagle" By David Eppley, Highly Commended
Bald eagles are usually highly skilled at snapping branches off of trees while in flight for making their nests. This particular one wasn't in its best form on this day.
"Chinese Whispers" By Jan Piecha, Highly Commended
These little raccoon cubs are clearly telling some important secrets to each other.
"Ouch!" By Ken Jensen, Overall Competition Winner
A golden silk monkey is caught in an uncomfortable position in Yunnan, China. Although this looks painful, the photographer says that this is actually a show of aggression.
"How Do You Get That Damn Window Open?" By Nicolas De Vaulx, Highly Commended
According to the photographer, this curious raccoon spends his time trying to get into houses and also steals food.
"I Got You" By Roland Kranitz, Highly Commended
This gopher has taken a flying leap and has his friend nearby to catch him.
"Let's Dance" By Andy Parkinson, Highly Commended
Two Kamchatka bear cubs play fight after having successfully navigated a stream.
"Peekaboo" By Pal Marchhart, Highly Commended
This young bear descending from a tree looks like he/she is playing hide and seek.
"Treehugger" By Jakub Hodan, Highly Commended
A Proboscis monkey scratching its nose on the rough bark of a tree. These precious animals are endemic to the jungles of Borneo.
"Missed" By Lea Scaddan, Highly Commended
Two Western Grey Kangaroos engaged in a furious battle. As you can see from the pic, the animal on the right, just missed kicking its adversary in the stomach.
Share these funny photos with your loved ones!