The Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards Finalists Are Here, And They’re Hilarious

By Matthew Russell

Each year, the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards recognize the animal kingdom’s more hilarious contributions to humankind in the form of candid snaps. There are monkeys mugging for the camera, otters looking utterly amazed, birds hamming it up, and bears lost in a game of hide and seek.

We can’t think of a better reason for wildlife photography, except of course conservation, for which this contest helps promote.

Source: Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards/Lloyd Dunham
Now that’s a fin-slapper.


Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks created the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards in 2015 to remind animal lovers to think about the things they buy, the amount of water they use, and the way they treat the environment. We only have one planet, after all, and each of those choices can lead to long-reaching consequences.

“Our planet is in distress, we all know that, now we just need to know what to do,” Joynson-Hicks wrote. “Hopefully, we can provide a few small tips to get people started.”


This year’s contest entries have been narrowed down to 40 finalists, each funnier than the last. As NPR reports, the winner will be chose by a panel of judges on Nov. 13, taking home a trophy and a chance to join a weeklong safari in Kenya.

And you can help them decide, as the people’s choice award is up for public vote.

“Every year we do this competition, it gets more and more exciting seeing how people visualize the funny sides of wildlife in the wild,” Joynson-Hicks said.

Now, without further adieu, more of the photos you’ve been waiting for.

Did I leave my tail at home?

Hello there!

To be a prairie dog, or not to be a prairie dog?

I self identify as an orang-wu-tang


So I says to Mabel, I says…

This season’s new look

Trust me, I’m a doctor


The brightest bird of the bunch

On days like these, why even wake up?

This is the life

Hey, I’m squawkin’ here!

Still want more? Check out the contest front-runners at the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

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Matthew Russell
Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.
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