Get ready to chuckle! The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has just unveiled its hilarious finalists for 2024, and these animal antics are guaranteed to brighten your day. From a lioness giving her mate a truly earsplitting wake-up call to a squirrel rocking out with a stick like a tiny, furry rock star, these photos prove that the animal kingdom is full of unexpected comedic moments.
Related: In Pictures: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2023!
This year's competition saw a whopping 9,000 entries from 98 countries, with 40 finalists chosen for their ability to capture the funny side of wildlife. But it's not just about laughs – the awards also support a great cause, benefiting the Whitley Fund for Nature, which helps protect endangered species and habitats around the world. So, scroll down for a dose of animal humor! The winners will be announced on December 10th in London.
1. “Nagging is a universal concept” by Scott Frier
A lioness lets out a loud roar right in her mate's ear, while he seems distinctly unimpressed by the disruption, captured in the stunning Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
2. “Stuck squirrel” by Milko Marchetti
When the squirrel entered, he momentarily lifted his feet from the trunk, giving the impression that he was trapped at the burrow's entrance for just an instant.
3. “Mafia Boss” by Takashi Kubo
It looks like he is sucking a cigar!
4. “Song of the Zeisel” by Kath Aggiss
A ground squirrel (local name Zeisel ) calls to family that he's found food.
5. “The Contemplative Chimpanzee” by Arvind Mohandas
This chimp seems deep in thought, clearly pondering something profound. Captured in the lush jungles of Uganda.
6. “The Rock Star” by Sanjay Patil
The Indian subcontinent is home to the unique fan-throated lizard, a species that has evolved in response to fluctuating climates. These reptiles are particularly colorful, with males exhibiting striking neck pouches that they inflate to attract females during the hot summer season. Females, on the other hand, lack this fan and do not display it. Here, we see a female lizard standing tall, trying to beat the sweltering heat of summer.
7. “The Speed Skater” by Mark Meth-Cohn
Stellers Sea Eagle in the drifting sea ice off Rausu, Hokkaido, Japan.
8. “Holding for a ride” by Alex Fine
After a refreshing nap, the mother brown bear was eager to take a stroll, but her playful cubs were more interested in hitching a ride on her back.
9. “Laughing out loud” by Ingo Hamann
This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke.
10. “Smiley Elephant Seal” by Gabriel Rojo
This elephant seal's seemingly joyful grin masks a hasty retreat. Sensing a challenge from the dominant male, it wisely chooses self-preservation over a bloody battle.
11. “I'm too sexy for my love” by Artur Stankiewicz
A hippopotamus in Mana Pools National Park sports a crown of water plants.
12. “Rock Guitar” by Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb
A stick became a source of endless amusement for this garden squirrel, who danced and tumbled with joyful abandon.
13. “You're not my mother” by Randy Herman
A curious red-bellied woodpecker startled a young screech owl, who seemed bewildered by the unexpected visitor to its nest.
14. “Unexpected role swap” by Przemyslaw Jakubczyk
“Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to de-stress by hunting for a bald eagle.”
15. “Easy fellas – Hajime!” by Philippe Ricrodel
This bear seems ready to rumble! Striking a pose reminiscent of a judo referee, it appears to be challenging its companions to a playful bout.
16. “Alright Mate Back off — This is My Bird” by Andy Rouse
Captured in South Georgia, the photo shows a male king penguin making a move on a female who is already paired with her mate. Her body posture and spread wings send a clear message: "Back off!"
17. “Hide and Seek” by Leslie Mcleod
“We were on safari in Kenya and happened upon this beautiful female who was looking for a mate. A group of topi were also keeping a pretty close eye her as she left messages for a potential partner on various trees. This shot makes me think that the cheetah is just about to shout out, ‘Ready or not, here I come!'”
