The 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has unveiled its most hilarious finalists, showcasing a range of comical and light-hearted images featuring animals from around the world. This year’s edition features 40 photos and 10 videos that capture playful moments in the wild, such as frogs engaged in what appears to be a “baptism” ritual, a dancing grasshopper, and a female gorilla sharing a tender moment with her young. Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the competition aims to celebrate the humour and beauty of the natural world while raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
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The competition, which is open to wildlife photography enthusiasts of all levels, prohibits the use of AI or digital manipulation in submissions, ensuring that all images are authentic and genuine. This year, the competition received nearly 10,000 entries from 108 countries, which were reviewed by a panel of 16 judges comprising photographers, videographers, and social media experts. The finalists encompass a variety of categories, including the best bird, fish, and reptile photos, as well as special awards for young photographers and video clips.
Stefan Maier, a general manager at Nikon, highlighted the company’s commitment to raising awareness about conservation through the competition. He emphasised Nikon’s long history of supporting creators and image makers worldwide, stating that the competition aims to underscore the significance of wildlife in our lives and the need to protect animal habitats. Tom Sullam, one of the founders of the competition, praised Nikon for its unwavering support, which has helped reach a broader audience and promote the crucial message of wildlife conservation.
The winners of the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards are set to be announced on December 9 at the Oxo Gallery in London, where the selected photographs will be exhibited from December 10 to December 14. Last year’s top honours went to Miko Marchetti from Italy for his captivating image “Stuck Squirrel,” while the People’s Choice award was bestowed upon Tapani Linnanmäki from Finland for his stunning photo “Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll.” The competition provides a platform for photographers to showcase the lighter side of the animal kingdom and highlight the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.
To view all the finalists and learn more about the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, visit the official competition website. The selection of whimsical and heartwarming images offers a glimpse into the fascinating and entertaining world of wildlife, reminding viewers of the beauty and diversity found in nature. As we await the announcement of this year’s winners, the competition continues to inspire laughter and admiration for the remarkable creatures with whom we share our planet.