After a record-breaking number of photographers took up Nikon’s challenge to capture the lighter side of life in the animal kingdom, the finalists for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Awards have been announced.
From almost 10,000 entries submitted from 108 countries, the shortlist has been whittled down to 40 single images, three portfolio entries and ten videos celebrating nature’s funniest moments. Among the contenders in this, the competition’s tenth year, are a dancing gorilla, a choir of lions and a quick-thinking frog on lookout duty, alongside video clips featuring a surfing heron and a mischievous orangutan.
Founded by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards combine humour with a serious message, shining a spotlight on global conservation. As in previous years, the awards partner with the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), a UK-based charity that has invested £24 million in grassroots conservation leaders across 80 countries.
Speaking about the finalists, Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe’s Senior General Marketing Manager, said they “showcase the unique talent of photographers from every corner of the globe,” adding that the images “combine wit and wonder to celebrate nature’s character while emphasising the urgency of conservation.”
This year’s judging panel includes wildlife TV presenter Cameron Whitnall, fellow Nikon Creators Hannah Stitfall and Roxy Hemadani, TV presenter Kate Humble, actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, Nikon Ambassador Daisy Gilardini, Born Free Foundation co-founder Will Travers OBE, and conservationist Bella Lack.
The overall, category and highly commended winners are set to be announced on Tuesday 9th December during an awards ceremony in London, with top prizes including a safari experience, plus Nikon’s Z6III, Z50II, and ZR cameras. A free exhibition of the finalist images is due to follow from the 10th to 16th December at the Oxo Gallery on London’s South Bank.
For more information and to view the full shortlist, visit www.comedywildlifephoto.com.
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