Finalists of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards – these comic takes from the animal world will make you smile.
From waltzing polar bears, to a hippopotamus that should have gone to Specsavers, the world’s funniest animal awards have their finalists – and this year you can vote for your favourite. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards judges are going to have a tough time!
Out of thousands of photographs, 41 have made the cut – and they are guaranteed to make you chuckle.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were founded by wildlife photographers and enthusiasts Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks. The competition works alongside the Born Free Foundation to highlight the importance of conserving our planet’s beautiful wildlife.
Wildlife photographer and co-founder Tom Sullam said: “In just three years this competition has gone from hilarious to utterly ridiculous humour – all provided to us by these fantastic animals.”
Among this year’s top entries are a red squirrel doing the splits by Geert Weggen, a shocked sifaka lemur by Jakob Strecker and a face-palming grizzly bear by Danielle D’Ermo. Here are some of the images we loved!
Guffaw! by Amy Kennedy
Seattle, United States
This elephant seal has a great sense of humor. Elephant seal on South Georgia… not quite sure what I said!
Rabbit hiding face in embrassment by Daniel Friend
Morgantown, United States
Too embarrassed to look. Rabbit hiding face in embarrassment with hands covering his eyes.
Perfect Pillow by Denise Dupras
Rochester, United States
The perfect pillow for a polar bear. The ship pulled up to the edge of the ice pack in search of polar bears. This bear seemed exhausted and took advantage of a piece of ice as a perfect pillow to grab a rest.
Should Have Gone To Specsavers, Michael Lane
Winchester, United Kingdom
This is one of four images of these hippos either biting another hippos backside or mouth. Could have made a portfolio but then I would have too many images so just entered this one.
Dancing Deer by Bartek Olszewski
London, United Kingdom
I was so lucky. It was July and I walked into Richmond Park through the Robin Hood gate. Immediately I saw these two rutting stags rising up and biting each other. It only lasted a few seconds, so I sank to my knees and snapped away as fast as I could.

Photo: Bartek Olszewski/ The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2018. Location: Richmond Park London
Astonished Lemur by Jakob Strecker
Cologne, Germany
Animal: Coquerel’s sifaka in Madagascar.
Dances with bears by Luca Venturi
Siena, Italy
The funny pose assumed by the two bears during their struggle, as if they were practicing a Vienna Waltz, is a pretext to entitle the photo referring to the famous movie starring Kevin Costner.
Have a Headache, Maureen Toft
Lyndhurst, United Kingdom
Not now honey…
Tango by Michael Watts
Augusta, United States
“No, Herbert, you lead with your left.” Coastal Brown Bear cubs interacting on the beach while Mom is fishing.
Happy? by Muriel Vekemans
Bruxelles, Belgium
The winner of these hilarious awards will be announced at a ceremony on November 15, 2018.
You can choose your favourite photo via the Affinity People’s Choice Award.
The overall winner will be named the 2018 Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year and win a handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and a one week safari with Alex Walker’s Serian.
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Vol. 2 by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullan is out in Hardback on the 4th of October.
Also Read:
Comedy Pet Photography Awards: These cheeky photos will make you laugh
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018: 10 Astonishing Shots We Loved