Record entries define 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards finalists

Key points

• Over 10,000 entries were received from 112 countries, the highest number in the competition's decade-long history.
• 91 award-winning images will be displayed in London, with winners announced on 8 December.
• Notable finalists include a caiman with a 'wig,' a meerkat grooming session, and a squirrel attacking an owl.
• Irish photographer Celine Nic Oireachtaigh was shortlisted for a photo of sleepy goslings in County Offaly.
• The competition aims to use humor to drive behavioral change and support wildlife conservation.

Background

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have grown from a small awareness initiative into a global event over the past decade. Previous coverage of photography and wildlife topics has highlighted the increasing popularity of nature-based media, but this competition specifically leverages humor to engage audiences. The 2026 edition continues this trend, with organizers noting that the competition has become 'truly global' and aims to expand its reach further.

How outlets are covering it

Discover Wildlife emphasizes the record-breaking entry count and the global reach of the competition, highlighting the role of humor in conservation. The Guardian provides a detailed visual gallery of finalists, focusing on the technical and artistic aspects of the images, such as the use of long lenses and specific locations. BBC highlights the 'funniest' aspects of the photos, such as the 'yoga bears' and 'rude orangutan,' while also noting the conservation context of some images, like the orangutan's habitat. RTE.ie focuses on the Irish connection, highlighting Celine Nic Oireachtaigh's shortlisting and the specific location of her photo in County Offaly. All sources agree on the record entry count and the 8 December winner announcement date, but they differ in their emphasis: Discover Wildlife and The Guardian focus on the competition's scale and artistic merit, BBC on the humor and conservation, and RTE.ie on the local Irish achievement.

Why it matters

The record-breaking entry count and global participation indicate a growing public interest in wildlife conservation and the power of humor to engage audiences. The competition's success in using humor to foster empathy and drive behavioral change suggests a potential model for other conservation efforts. The display of 91 images in London also provides a public platform for raising awareness about wildlife issues.

What to watch

The overall, category, and highly commended winners will be announced on 8 December. The 91 award-winning images will be displayed in London, providing a public opportunity to view the finalists. Organizers plan to make the competition 'even bigger, funnier and more far-reaching' in the future.