2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists Reveal Record Global Participation

Key points

• Record submissions: The 2026 competition received over 10,000 entries from 112 countries, the highest volume in the award's 11-year history.
• Finalist count: A shortlist of 47 images and nine videos was selected, including entries from amateur and professional photographers.
• Notable images: Highlights include a green mantis in Peru, brown bears sparring in Alaska, and a caiman with a 'wig' in Brazil.
• Public engagement: Voting for the STERNA People's Choice Award is currently open to the public.
• Awards ceremony: Final winners will be announced at an event in London on December 8, 2026, followed by an exhibition until December 13.

Background

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were established in 2015 to use humor to promote wildlife conservation. Previous coverage noted that the 2026 cycle saw a surge in global participation, with organizers aiming to expand the competition's reach and impact. The awards support conservation efforts, including partnerships with organizations like the Born Free Foundation.

How outlets are covering it

CNN emphasized the global scale of the competition, highlighting the record number of entries and the diversity of locations, from Vietnam to South Africa. The Guardian focused on specific finalist images, providing detailed descriptions of the photographers' techniques and the humorous nature of the scenes. RTE.ie highlighted the achievement of an Irish amateur photographer, Celine Nic Oireachtaigh, whose photo of goslings in Co. Offaly was shortlisted. The BBC curated a list of the 'funniest' photos, focusing on the comedic value of the images and their potential to engage the public with wildlife conservation.

Why it matters

The record-breaking participation in the 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards underscores the growing global interest in wildlife photography and conservation. By using humor to engage the public, the competition aims to foster empathy for wildlife and promote conservation efforts. The public voting process and upcoming exhibition in London provide opportunities for broader engagement with these issues.

What to watch

Public voting for the STERNA People's Choice Award will continue until the final winners are announced on December 8, 2026. The finalists' works will be exhibited in London from December 9 to 13, 2026. The top prize for the winner is a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara.