The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 competition, having sifted through a record-breaking 10,000 entries from photographers across 112 nations. The announcements were made on October 2, showcasing a diverse array of more than 50 amusing photos and videos that capture animals in unexpectedly delightful moments.
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Among the notable images this year are a brown bear engaging in calisthenics, an elephant attempting to conceal itself by covering its eyes with its trunk, and an incredulous blenny fish. Other highlights include beavers that appear to be posing for the camera, a disgruntled goldcrest bird, and two elephant seals caught in a playful moment. Each entry illustrates the unique quirks of the natural world, all presented with a humorous twist.
Doug Gimesy, a photographer known for his captivating images of wildlife, commented on his photograph of the elephant seals by stating, “I hope the images I take and the information I share will encourage others to treat the natural world and all its wonderful wildlife a little more kindly.” His sentiment reflects the overarching message of the competition.
The awards, co-founded by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam in 2015, aim to merge exceptional wildlife photography with a light-hearted spirit, all the while advocating for wildlife conservation. This year, the competition will support the Born Free Foundation, which focuses on animal welfare and conservation efforts.
This year’s contest remains accessible to all, inviting wildlife photography enthusiasts from novices to seasoned professionals. Participants are vying for the top prize, which includes a safari trip to Kenya’s Masai Mara Nature Reserve, alongside additional rewards such as cameras and camera equipment provided by Nikon, as well as photography rucksacks from ThinkTANK.
The competition categories this year are extensive, including best photographs of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. There are also specific categories focused on younger photographers, namely Nikon Junior (under 16 years old) and Nikon Young Photographer (under 25 years old). Furthermore, the awards feature sections for the Amazing Internet Portfolio and a Nikon Video Category.
Reflecting on the growth of the awards, Sullam shared, “What began as a small effort to raise awareness of wildlife conservation has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined.” He expressed a desire to expand the reach and impact of the competition even further. “We want to make it even bigger, funnier, and more far-reaching than ever,” he stated, emphasising the importance of empathy in changing attitudes toward wildlife.
Stefan Maier, general manager at Nikon, added that the competition shines a spotlight on the significance of conservation, alongside the humour of its entries. “With more than 10,000 hilarious and heartfelt images capturing the character and vibrancy of our natural world, the competition also pulls into focus the vital importance of conservation,” he remarked.
Winners of the 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards will be announced on December 8 in London, followed by an exhibition of the finalists’ images at the Oxo Gallery from December 9 to December 13. Last year, the overall winner was British photographer Mark Meth-Cohn, whose stunning photograph of a dancing gorilla in Rwanda, titled “High Five,” captivated audiences with its joyful portrayal of wildlife.
Meth-Cohn described the experience of capturing the image, stating, “One young male was especially keen to show off his acrobatic flair, pirouetting, tumbling, and high kicking.” His enthusiasm for the subject matter highlights the joy that wildlife photography can bring to both the observer and the photographer.
For those eager to explore the complete collection of finalists for the 2026 competition, further details can be found on the official Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards website. The awards not only entertain but also play a crucial role in raising awareness for wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.