2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists Feature Mantis, Orangutan, and Bear

Key points

• Record 10,000 entries from 112 countries were received for the 2026 competition.
• The shortlist includes 47 images and nine videos, with 43 finalists mentioned in some reports.
• Notable entries include a 'sexy' mantis in Peru, an orangutan in Borneo, and brown bears in Alaska.
• Winners will be announced on December 8, with the top prize being a safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara.
• The competition aims to use humor to foster empathy for wildlife conservation.

Background

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have been running since 2015, using humor to promote wildlife conservation. Previous years have featured similar humorous shots of animals, with winners announced in December. The 2026 competition continues this tradition, with a focus on global participation and conservation awareness.

How outlets are covering it

Live Science, CNN, The Guardian, and BBC all highlight the same key finalists, including the mantis, orangutan, and brown bears. Live Science and CNN emphasize the humorous aspect of the photos, while The Guardian and BBC focus on the conservation angle. All outlets agree on the record number of entries and the December 8 announcement date.

Why it matters

The competition uses humor to engage the public with wildlife conservation, potentially increasing awareness and support for conservation efforts. The record number of entries indicates growing interest in the competition and its message.

What to watch

Winners will be announced on December 8, with the top prize being a safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The finalists' works will be exhibited in London until December 13.