The 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have unveiled their hilarious finalists, featuring everything from a dancing gorilla to hugging lizards, capturing the unpredictable humor of the animal kingdom while spotlighting the urgent need for wildlife conservation globally.
The highly anticipated finalists for the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have been announced, showcasing a collection of breathtakingly funny and perfectly timed images that remind us of the animal kingdom’s lighter side. From an exuberant dancing gorilla to a pair of embracing lizards, these photographs are more than just a source of amusement; they serve as a powerful tool to connect people with vital conservation efforts.
This year’s competition saw a remarkable turnout, with just under 10,000 entries submitted from 108 countries, a testament to its growing global appeal, as reported by USA TODAY. The shortlist comprises 40 standalone images, three portfolio entries, and 10 video entries, all meticulously selected for their technical skill and their undeniable ability to evoke laughter.
A Decade of Delight: The Awards’ Enduring Mission
Now in its tenth year, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has cemented its place as one of the most eagerly anticipated events in wildlife photography. Co-founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the competition’s core mission is to celebrate exceptional wildlife photography and leverage the positive power of humor to promote the conservation of wildlife and their precious habitats. As Nikon Europe Senior General Manager Marketing Stefan Maier aptly stated, these images “combine wit and wonder to celebrate nature’s character, while emphasizing the urgency of conservation.” The official website, Comedy Wildlife Photo, serves as a hub for enthusiasts and those keen on supporting their cause.
Spotlight on the Standout Finalists
The 2025 selection is packed with moments that perfectly capture the unpredictable and often human-like nature of animals. Among the highlights that have captured public attention are:
- A dancing gorilla, one of several portrayals of gorillas and monkeys in various states of joyous movement, ranging from realistic 3D renderings to cartoon characters in tutus or disco attire. One notable entry shows a gorilla seemingly dancing in Rwanda, while another depicts two young gorillas moving playfully as their mother watches.
- The now-famous **hugging lizards**, captured in Solapur, India. These comical images show an amorous fan-throated lizard conducting an impressive courtship display before winning over his lover with a playful hug. Photographer Ratnakar Hiremath emphasized the difficulty of capturing such fleeting moments, requiring both precise timing and an understanding of the animals’ behavior.
- A seductive orangutan and a smoking duck, noted for their unexpected and humorous poses.
- A penguin pied piper, captured leading a group of sheep on the Falkland Islands, creating an almost mythical scene.
- A mischievous monkey caught pulling faces, a prime example of “monkey business” that delights viewers.
- An elephant playing peek-a-boo with its ears, demonstrating a playful side to these majestic creatures.
- A choir of lions in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, a striking image titled “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” depicting an entire pride erupting in roars, perhaps reflecting heightened tensions from dwindling resources.
The Impact and How to Participate
The competition’s global reach ensures that the urgency of conservation is communicated to a wide audience. By highlighting the unique personalities and often comical behaviors of wildlife, the awards foster a deeper appreciation and emotional connection to the natural world. This emotional engagement is crucial for galvanizing support for environmental protection.
The overall winners of the 2025 competition will be revealed at an awards ceremony in London on December 9. Following the announcement, a free exhibition will display the winning images from December 10-14 at the Gallery@Oxo in London, offering the public an opportunity to witness these incredible moments firsthand.
For those eager to get involved, voting for the People’s Choice Award category is open between December 10 and March 1, 2026. Wildlife enthusiasts can cast their vote on the competition’s website. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced on March 12, 2026.
Prizes and Categories
Beyond recognition, photographers vie for exciting prizes. The top prize includes a one-week safari with Alex Walker’s Serian in the Masai Mara, Kenya, along with Nikon cameras and photography rucksacks from travel gear manufacturer ThinkTANK. The competition encompasses diverse categories, ensuring broad representation of the animal kingdom:
- Alex Walker’s Serian Mammals Category
- Spectrum Photo Birds Category
- ThinkTANK Reptiles and Amphibians Category
- Fish and Other Aquatic Species
- Insects Category
- Nikon Young Photographer (up to 25 years)
- Nikon Junior Category (up to 16 years)
- Amazing Internet Portfolio Category
- Nikon Video Category
The Lasting Message
The 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards once again proves that humor can be a powerful catalyst for change. By showcasing the delightful, unexpected, and often hilarious interactions within the animal world, the competition not only brightens our day but also reinforces a critical message: our wild world is worth protecting. These images serve as a joyful reminder that conservation is not just a responsibility, but a celebration of the incredible diversity and personality that coexists with us on this planet.
