EditorsThe Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards entries couldn’t have come at a better time when we could all do with some cheering up. These funny animal photos should definitely do the trick.
The competition was co-founded by Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, both professional photographers, who wanted to create a photographic competition that focused on the lighter side of wildlife, and let’s face it – who can fail to laugh, hoot and giggle at beautiful wildlife doing impossibly funny things, but most importantly though, the competition’s mission is to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats, through humorous and light-hearted imagery and a positive message. Through their partnership with The Born Free Foundation, who are once again the official competition partners, helping to ensure that this planet’s wildlife is there for the next generation.
These are the best entries so far… and the competition is still on till June 20. So send in your entries here pronto.
Wowza!
Location: Masai Mara, Kenya
Walk on water
Certain times of the year flamingos populate Lake Magadi in Serengeti and this is when you can see them taking off and landing… Or just showing off. Location of shot: Lake Magadi, Serengeti, Tanzania
True Name
Yellow Collared Lovebirds in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Laughing stock
Two Zebra buddies share a joke, enjoying life in the Savannah. One of them rolls his head back in very human-like fashion. Theme: Life’s better with friends. Location of shot: Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Maestro
Chalky Percher Damselfly in Zambales, Philippines
Laughing Hippo
Hippo mother has her baby nibbling her ear in Masai Mara
Lightweight Wrestling
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Confused
Seal at Winterton on Sea, UK
Doing the Sand Dance
Brown bear at Lake Clarke, Alaska
Laughing Sea Otter
Sea Otter floating in Morro Bay, California
Rough night
This Northern Pygmy Owl on Vancouver Island BC, Canada perched on a small branch looking like he a rough night or the best night of his life.
It’s too late Roebuck, too late
Location: Estonia
The hilariously funny entries will pass under the discerning eyes of an impressive judging panel, including wildlife TV presenter Kate Humble, actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, wildlife expert and co-founder of The Born Free Foundation Will Travers OBE, travel editor Oliver Smith, Ashley Hewson – Managing Director of Affinity Photo, Simon Pollock from ThinkTank, Celina Dunlop, the picture editor expert, Andrew Skirrow of Amazing Internet and Bella Lack, a 17 year old trailblazer for animal conservation.
Here’s a lovely message and handy tips from the founders:
The planet has had a bit of a breather recently, because most of us have been in lockdown. As a result, we have seen wildlife return and thrive in our rivers, oceans, lands and skies. It is more important than ever before that we learn from this and make sure we do our best to conserve and look after this amazing planet of ours before it is too late.
What can you do to be a conservationist at home?
We have a whole bunch of ideas, which will be spread out over the year, but we have three wicked ideas which you can tell your readers, friends, families all about:
Shop responsibly
Yup, this is super easy for everyone to do. Try and buy local produce that is in season and produced sustainably if possible. Avoid un-recyclable products. Shops are getting better at offering alternatives to one use plastic, for example but we need to support them.
Put a plant box on your window sill
Put a plant box on your window sill, grow some flowers, and give the bees somewhere to go. We’ve all heard of the importance of bees, and this little nod towards their daily requirements is already a huge step in the right direction. Imagine if every windowsill had a flower box! It would be an absolute miracle, so let’s start that process!
Become a “Wild Influencer”
Yup, you heard it here first. This is a special person who may be not a mega activist, but really, really cares about the environment and what is happening, so you do a few very simple and easy things. For example, encourage your friends and family about some of the simple things we have mentioned above, talk about it in social media, on Zoom, on the phone. Find really awesome conservation organisations and engage with them on email, or social media. Email or write to your local government representative, maybe an MP, a House of Rep, a councillor and find out what they are doing to help the wildlife around the world. Hold your elected representatives accountable. You have a voice, we all do, use it and don’t be afraid! We can make a difference.
Love these funny animal photos? Also see:
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Hilarious Photos You Have to See
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Funniest Animal Photos You’ll Love
