2026 Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists Showcase Global Humor in Nature

Key points

• The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have released their finalists, selected from a record 10,000 submissions across 112 countries.
• The shortlist features 40 individual images, including a 'sexy' mantis in Peru, a squirrel attacking an owl in California, and a caiman with a 'wig.'
• Winners will be announced on December 8, with the top prize being a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara.
• The competition uses humor to foster empathy for wildlife conservation.

Background

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have been a fixture on the photography competition calendar for several years. In previous years, the competition has featured a wide range of humorous wildlife images, from a caiman wearing a wig to a leopard doing a handstand. The 2026 competition continues this tradition, using humor to foster empathy for wildlife conservation.

How outlets are covering it

Good News Network emphasizes the global reach of the competition, highlighting the record 10,000 submissions from 112 countries. The Guardian focuses on the specific images in the shortlist, such as a caiman wearing a wig and two brown bears laughing. BBC highlights the funniest animal photos of 2026, including a fitness-obsessed bear and a rather rude orangutan. RTE.ie highlights the Irish woman's gosling photo shortlisted for the comedy award.

Why it matters

The competition uses humor to foster empathy for wildlife conservation, making it a valuable tool for raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife.

What to watch

Winners will be announced on December 8, with the top prize being a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara. The competition will also support the Born Free Foundation, using humor to foster empathy for wildlife conservation.