From a fish chasing an eagle to a tiny flying squirrel channeling a crime boss, the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are a celebration of the humorous side of wildlife. This year, the competition received a record-breaking number of entries, nearly 9,000 in total, from 98 different countries. Founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the awards aim to promote conservation through exceptional wildlife photography combined with the power of humor.
Each year, the competition chooses a sustainable conservation organization to support. This year, the spotlight is on the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-based charity that aids conservation leaders working in their home countries across the Global South.
Among the finalists are some truly captivating images:
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Ant on a Leaf:
Alexander Pansier captured a red ant perched on a vibrant autumn leaf in the Netherlands. The image, taken with the aid of a flashlight to freeze the ant’s movement, showcases the beauty of detail and the warmth of the season.*
Spotted Owlet Privacy:
Sarthak Ranganadhan’s photo of a spotted owlet attempting to find some privacy while its offspring stood right next to it in Gurgaon, India, is a relatable reminder of the universal struggle for a little peace and quiet.*
Bream vs. Eagle:
Przemyslaw Jakubczyk captured a bream chasing a bald eagle at Szczecin Lagoon in Poland, a humorous take on the classic predator-prey dynamic.*
Fan-Throated Lizard:
Sanjay Patil’s photo of a female fan-throated lizard in the Indian subcontinent highlights the unique mating rituals of these creatures.*
Flying Squirrel Boss:
Takashi Kubo’s shot of a flying squirrel in Hokkaido, Japan, captures the creature looking like a mafia boss with a cigar.*
Penguin Highway:
Ralph Robinson’s photo of southern rockhopper penguins on Pebble Island in the Falkland Islands showcases the penguins’ assertive personalities and the humor of their crowded environment.*
Judo Bears:
Philippe Ricordel captured three polar bears in Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife Refuge in a pose reminiscent of a Judo referee signaling the start of a match.*
Lion Cub Commercial:
Scott Frier’s image of a lion cub nursing in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park brings to mind an old TV commercial, capturing a moment of pure cuteness and laughter.*
Hippo Hairdresser:
Artur Stankeiwicz’s photo of a hippo with water plants decorating its head in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools NP creates a comical portrait of the animal looking like it just had a haircut.The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards not only provide a platform for incredible photography but also serve as a reminder that even in the wild, there’s always room for a little laughter.
