43 Finalists Selected for 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Key points

• A total of 43 finalists were selected from 10,000 entries across 112 countries.
• Winners will be announced on December 8, with the top prize being a safari in the Maasai Mara.
• Notable images include a caiman with a wig, laughing brown bears, and a leopard doing a handstand.
• The competition supports the Born Free Foundation and uses humor to promote wildlife conservation.
• An amateur photographer from Ireland was shortlisted for a photo of goslings in Co. Offaly.

Background

Previous coverage noted that the 2026 competition received a record 10,000 entries. Earlier reports indicated the shortlist included 40 individual photos, 3 under-16 entries, 4 portfolios, and 9 videos. The exhibition is scheduled for London from December 9 to 13, following the winner announcement on December 8.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and BBC provide detailed visual descriptions of specific finalists, such as the 'sexy mantis' in Peru and the 'bear banter' in Alaska, emphasizing the artistic and humorous aspects of the photography. RTE.ie highlights the local angle, focusing on Irish amateur photographer Celine Nic Oireachtaigh's shortlisted image of goslings in Co. Offaly. Kottke.org serves as a general aggregator, confirming the release of the finalists without specific narrative details. All sources agree on the core facts: 10,000 entries, 112 countries, and the December 8 announcement date.

Why it matters

The competition leverages humor to engage the public with wildlife conservation issues, supporting the Born Free Foundation. The record number of entries indicates growing global interest in wildlife photography and conservation awareness.

What to watch

Winners will be announced on December 8. The finalists will be exhibited in London from December 9 to 13. The top prize is a safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara.