Record 10,000 Entries Shortlist 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Key points

• The competition received over 10,000 entries from 112 countries, marking a historical high for the event.
• Finalists include 40 individual images, 3 entries from photographers under 16, 4 portfolios, and 9 video submissions.
• The top prize is a safari with Alex Walker's Serian in the Masai Mara, alongside Nikon camera prizes.
• The 2026 edition partners with the Born Free Foundation to support wildlife protection and conservation.
• Finalist works will be displayed at Gallery@Oxo in London from December 9 to 13, with winners announced on December 8.

Background

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has grown from a small awareness initiative into a global competition over the past decade. Recent years have seen similar wildlife photography events, such as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026, also highlight diverse habitats and conservation themes. This year's focus on humor aims to drive behavioral change through empathy, continuing a long-standing strategy for the awards.

How outlets are covering it

PetaPixel and USA Today focused on showcasing specific humorous images, such as a baboon holding an adult and a squirrel attacking an owl, without detailing the judging structure. Smithsonian Magazine provided a more comprehensive overview, noting the specific breakdown of finalists and the exhibition dates in London. All sources agreed on the record entry count and the partnership with the Born Free Foundation, but only Smithsonian highlighted the role of comedians and media presenters in the judging panel.

Why it matters

The record number of entries underscores the global popularity of wildlife photography and the effectiveness of humor in engaging audiences with conservation issues. By supporting the Born Free Foundation, the awards directly contribute to protecting wild animals from exploitation, demonstrating how creative competitions can drive tangible environmental impact.

What to watch

The public can vote for the People's Choice Award until March 1, 2027. The overall winner and category winners will be announced on December 8, 2026, following the exhibition at Gallery@Oxo in London.