We all love a good laugh, especially when it involves adorable animals caught in unexpected situations. The annual Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards always deliver on that front, showcasing the lighter side of the animal kingdom. After much anticipation, the judges have finally announced the winners of the 2024 competition, and the results are sure to brighten your day.
Related: The Silly Side of Animals in 15 Award-Winning Photos
This year's collection features a delightful array of hilarious moments captured by talented photographers from around the world. From squirrels stuck in tree holes to hippos sporting leafy headwear, these images are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Scroll down to enjoy these incredible moments where nature and humor collide.
1. “Stuck squirrel” by Milko Marchetti. Overall Winners & Mammals Winner.
In a quiet Italian park, this squirrel looked like it got stuck mid-tree-hole exploration. Turns out, it was just hopping in, but the timing made for a perfectly awkward photo.
2. “Mantis Flamenca” by Jose Miguel Gallego Molina. Insect Winner.
This Flemish Mantis is ordering drivers to halt so that it can pass through!
3. “Shake ruffle rattle and roll” by Tapani Linnanmäki. People's Choice Winner.
A white-tailed eagle ruffles its feathers to strike a comical pose.
4. “Awkward smiley frog” by Kingston Tam. Nikon Young Photographer Winner (25 and Under).
Here is a cute smile to cheer up your week.
5. “Unexpected role swap” by Przemyslaw Jakubczyk. Aquatic Animals Winner.
Sometimes even fish need a break—and this one found an unlikely hunting companion in a bald eagle
6. “Whiskered Tern crash on landing” by Damyan Petkov. Bird Winner.
This whiskered tern miscalculated its landing, resulting in a less-than-graceful moment as it hit a rock.
7. “Smooching owlets” by Sarthak Ranganadhan. Nikon Junior (16 and Under) Winner.
These spotted owlets seem to be dealing with a very familiar situation—nosy parents refusing to respect their privacy.
8. “The Rock Star” by Sanjay Patil. Highly Commended.
A fan-throated lizard in the Indian subcontinent uses its colorful neck pouch to attract mates, proving summer romances aren't just for humans.
9. “You're not my mother” by Randy Herman. Highly Commended.
A red-bellied woodpecker peeked into a Screech Owl nest, startling the owlet inside. Safe to say, the little one wasn’t thrilled with the visit.
10. “Alright Mate Back off- this is my bird” by Andy Rouse. Highly Commended.
A male king penguin’s awkward courtship attempt was hilariously shut down by a paired-up female with an unmistakable ‘back off’ stance.
11. “I'm too sexy for my love” by Artur Stankiewicz. Highly Commended.
This hippo's leafy crown makes it look like it just returned from a stylish trip to the local hairdresser.
12. “I'll tell you a secret” by Jan Piecha. Highly Commended.
A young raccoon is caught whispering what must be a juicy secret to its mother, in a moment full of charm.
13. “Hide and seek” by Leslie McLeod. Highly Commended.
A cheetah on safari appears to be having a playful moment, almost like it’s ready for a game of hide-and-seek.
14. “Are you kidding” by Marti Phillips. Highly Commended.
Two Cape fur seals seem to be sharing an inside joke, perfectly captured in a lighthearted moment.
15. “Mafia Boss” by Takashi Kubo. Highly Commended.
He looks every bit the mafia boss with what seems like a cigar in its mouth
16. “Gang of four” by Ralph Robinson. Highly Commended.
On the penguin highway, rockhoppers marched in determined fashion, looking ready for a showdown in their colony.
17. “The Contemplative Chimpanzee” by Arvind Mohandas. Highly Commended.
This chimpanzee appeared to be deep in thought, as though contemplating the mysteries of life.
