The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, now in its 11th year, has once again used humor to draw attention to endangered species and fragile habitats. This year’s competition attracted more than 10,000 submissions—the highest total in its history—coming from 112 nations around the globe.
Why a laugh matters for wildlife
Organizers say the contest’s purpose is simple: use the “positive power of humour” to make people care about wildlife. By presenting animals in amusing, relatable moments, the awards hope to spark empathy that leads to real‑world conservation action.
“What began as a small effort to raise awareness of wildlife conservation has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined,” said professional photographer Tom Sullman, co‑founder of the awards with Paul Joynson‑Hicks MBE in 2015. “We use humour to get people to feel empathy towards wildlife, and it’s that empathy that creates behavioural change for the better.”
Highlights from the finalists
Among the finalists are a caiman sporting a jaunty toupee, a sleepy owl blinking at the setting sun, an orangutan giving the photographer a cheeky stare, and a Great Horned Owl looking flabbergasted as a squirrel launches an aerial attack. The images span continents—from Belgian beavers to Irish goslings to African elephants—each captured in a moment that is both funny and oddly human‑like.
These photographs do more than entertain; they invite viewers to see wild animals as sentient beings with personalities, encouraging a deeper respect for their lives and habitats.
Supporting the Born Free Foundation
This year’s awards are partnered with the Born Free Foundation, an international charity dedicated to rescuing and protecting wild animals from exploitation and preserving threatened species and their natural environments. Proceeds from the exhibition and related merchandise will help fund the foundation’s global conservation projects.
Upcoming awards ceremony and exhibition
The winners will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at an awards night in London. Following the ceremony, a one‑week exhibition will run from Dec. 9‑13 at the Oxo Gallery, showcasing all finalists’ work for the public to enjoy.
For now, readers can view a selection of the editors’ favorite images on the competition’s website and share a laugh while learning about the urgent need to protect the planet’s wildlife.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
