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(Pocket-lint) – The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrates the very best in amusing photos of wild animals. This year’s competition has some real corkers as you can imagine.
For 2022 the awards received 5,000 entries from 85 different countries. Those awesome photos have been whittled down to a select few winners.
It’s not all chortles though, with the competition doing its part to support charity too. This year the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has been working in support of the Whitley Fund for Nature, a charity that supports conservationists around the world.
We’re showing off some of the best for you to enjoy, but be sure to check out the full gallery to see the rest.
Not so cat-like reflexes (overall winner)
The overall winner for 2022 is this photo by
Jennifer Hadley showing a less-than-graceful lion cub having a mishap. Classic misadventure.
“This 3 month old cub and his sibling were in a tree. The other lionesses were in other trees and on the ground. He wanted to get down and walked all over the branches looking for the right spot and finally just went for it. It was probably his first time in a tree and his descent didn’t go so well. He was just fine though after landing on the ground. He got up and ran off with some other cubs.”
Misleading African viewpoints
If you didn’t know better you’d be forgiven for thinking that this photo showed a heron in danger of being chomped. Hippos are herbivores, so they wouldn’t eat the bird. Funny to see it seemingly looking at the camera mid-yawn like it’s pretending to be ready to swallow the heron though.
Say cheese
In some of these wildlife photos, it seems like the animals are admiring or viewer or posing for the camera.
These fish look like they belong in follow-up to Finding Nemo,
This photo was selected as the “Creatures under the water” award.
“A couple of triggerfish looking into the camera, captured at the Azores. Even they may look funny, these fish can be quite aggressive. In this case, they didn’t attempt to bite me, but the dome port of my camera housing ended up with some scratches… life is hard… at least it wasn’t me who was hurt.”
Owl in a pipe
This image of an owl in a pipe comes from India and was selected as the Junior award winner for 2022.
“Few hundred miles away we went to explore wildlife of a small town named ‘Bikaner’. It was after almost a year I travelled because of covid. We hired a guide to explore places around. During last day of our trip we came across a pipe in a city where we spotted an owlet. I have earlier clicked owls in a pipe before so I was sure that I wasn’t mistake. We waited for a short while and it didn’t take a long time and one of the spotted owlet came out of the pipe. It was really funny when he came out and looked at me straight, before going inside he closed one of his eyes and felt like he wanted to say I CU boy ! and I immediately snapped a picture when he gave this pose.”
Monkey Wellness Centre
Another highly commended image shows what looks like a monkey in a highly relaxed state with its friend checking in on them.
Smell the flowers
Sometimes you’ve got to just take time out to sniff the roses. Or whatever you can find that reminds you how good life is.
An unusual bridge
This cheeky little duckling is using turtles like a bridge to get across the water. We admire its tenacity.
“A duckling walking/waddling across a turtle covered log at the Juanita wetlands, the duckling fell off after a few turtle crossings, it was cute.”
Happy Feet
This little chappy looks like the inspiration for the Happy Feet film. They’re also just the right age for hunting for their own food.
Fishy lunch
Less comedic than some of the others, but we like this one because it reminds me of those photos of dogs failing to catch treats.
Pegasus, the flying horse
Here it looks like Pegasus has appeared in real life. But really it’s just a matter of perfectly timed perspective.
“Actually this is Indian Saras Crane attacking a Bluebull from behind, the bull happened to venture close to Saras’s nest, where in, it had laid a single egg. The Saras Crane, which is tallest flying bird in the world, opened it’s huge wings and attacked the bull from behind, driving the bull away from the nest”
Hello Everyone
How do these wildlife photographers keep catching wildlife behaving like people?
Miroslav Srb explains:
“I photographed raccoon on a Florida beach, where I fed him shrimps. Then he thanked me like that.”
Talk to the fin
This one is a brilliant photo of a pair of penguins, one of whom looks like they’ve thrown a strop.
Jennifer Hadley paints the picture for us.
“This was shot on the Falkland Islands. These two gentoo penguins were hanging out on the beach when one shook himself off and gave his mate the snub.”
Cheeky wink
We always enjoy these sorts of photos that are a healthy mix of timing, patience and luck. A fox is caught seemingly winking at the cameraman. Amazing.
“An American Red Fox casually walked up to the edge of the woods and sat down, then turned around and gave a wink. Moments later, this sly fox disappeared into the trees.”
Jumping Jack
Alex Pansier managed to capture this superb image of a red squirrel in the middle of an impressive jump in the rain.
The action is impressive enough but the photo is even better for the raindrops.
Previous entries
This has just been a taste of some of the awesome photos from this year. Below are some of our favourites from the past. There sure are some fantastic wildlife photographers out there and it’s great to see sometimes this photography can show the funny side of nature too.
Musical gopher
Roland Kranitz managed to capture what looks like a musical gopher playing a small wind instrument in a undergrowth.
Let’s dance
This fun photo appears to show two small cubs having a great time in the water.
“Two Kamchatka bear cubs square up for a celebratory play fight having successfully navigated a raging torrent (small stream!)”
Welcome to Nature!
We love these close up shots of nature. Views of wildlife that you’d never normally see.
“A red damselfly welcomes us into the world of macro nature. It was so amazing to see it climb up the straw, and pause at the intersection to say hi!”
Ouch
This Golden silk monkey was snapped in Yunnan, China and it looks like he’s landed in a rather uncomfortable position on a wire. The real story is a bit different though.
“A golden silk monkey in Yunnan China – this is actually a show of aggression however in the position that the monkey is in it looks quite painful!”
Invisible pigeon
This pigeon looks like it’s a bit shy and doesn’t want to be photographed.
“I was taking pics of pigeons in flight when this leaf landed on birds face”
Yes, I did it
This image from Indonesia was taken by Dikky Oesin and seems to show a green tree frog who’s really pleased with himself.
“A frog climbed a flower from a plant, and when he made it to the end he laughed celebrating his success”
See who jumps high
Some mudskippers are seen here frolicking in the muddy waters of Taiwan.
They’re certainly pulling some amusing faces.
Don’t worry. Be happy!
Axel Bocker has been finding joy in nature with some fantastic wildlife photography that includes this close up of a Dragonfly who just seems happy to see him.
“A Dragonfly early in the morning on a flower looks into my camera and it seems as if it laughing. The year 2020/2021 was very hard for everybody because of Corona. But when you go outside and watch carefully the Beauty of our nature, then problems seems to get less for me. So if I have a bad day this image make me give a smile back”
Laughing vine snake
This amusing photo by Aditya Kshirsagar appears to show a vine snake living its best life and having a great laugh about it too.
“Vine snakes are very commonly seen snakes in western ghats of India. When approached they show aggression by opening their mouth wide open. Nothing to scare of this beautiful harmless Vine snake.I was happy to find it and smiling and It looks like he was smiling back at me.”
Houston – we’ve got a problem!
We love how both the bird that caught the fish and the fish look equally as surprised by the turn of events.
This is just one of the images currently submitted to the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2021 and it shows the sort of hilarity we can expect this year.
Bald Eagle Gets a Surprise
This snap looks like the prairie dog was playing peekaboo with the incoming winged predator with amusing results. This image could have easily seen a worse outcome for the smaller furry critter.
Photographer Arthur Trevino explained what happened:
“When this Bald Eagle missed on its attempt to grab this prairie dog, the prairie dog jumped towards the eagle and startled it long enough to escape to a nearby burrow. A real David vs Goliath story! “
Happy
Never let it be said that penguins don’t know how to have fun. Here some of these awesome creatures are seen frolicking in the surf and having a great time with it.
Quarantine Life
These Racoons look like they’re trying to socially distance from the rest of the world like we all have been lately.
Kevin Biskaborn explains:
“Isolated inside with your family eager to get out and explore the world? These eastern raccoon kits are too. Just when you think there’s no more room in the tree hollow, mother raccoon appears and displays just how compact the space is. The babies clambered all over their mom and each another, struggling to take a look at the exact same time. This photo was taken in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. After exploring a particular area with numerous tree hallows, I identified it as a hot spot for raccoon families. Since raccoons will move from den to den, often not spending more than one night at a time in a particular den, locating an area with numerous options is key to locating the animals. I stumbled across this family and immediately worked on leveling the camera with the hole to prevent an upward angle. When the camera and tripod were ready, the baby raccoons were extremely curious (and cooperative), sticking their heads out for a closer look!”
Sweet lips
Philipp Stahr managed to snap this amusing image of a box fish looking both surprised and glamourous too:
“This picture was taken at Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Usually, box fishes are difficult to take pictures of, since they do not have a problem of a diver coming close, but if you show interest, they always turn the back and not the face to you. That’s why I tried to swim 0.5m above the fish and showing no interest at all to him. The same time I had my camera not in front of me, but below at my chest pointing to the bottom. When the right moment had come, I turned the camera 90 degrees to the front and just point and shoot, hoping to have the fish in focus. Never expected to have its beautiful lips that close!”
Missed!
Here two Western Grey Kangaroos were caught on camera in the middle of a scrap. While fighting, one managed to miss kicking the other. The result is this amusing image. Another brilliant entry into the competition.
Hi Yall
Eric Fisher probably spent ages trying to get the perfect shot of bears by the river. Being sneaky, trying to capture the perfect moment. Then the bear sees him and gives him a wave. Does it get better than this?
The inside joke
Red squirrels are unfortunately a rare sight in British shores, but not so much in the Netherlands it seems.
Femke van Willigen managed to snap this cracking, amusing shot of a cheerful-looking chappy, we wonder what they were so happy about.
Covid Hair
We’ve all had days like these recently haven’t we? This Reddish Egret is certainly looking worse for wear, but then that’s pretty much life in 2020 isn’t it?
Doggo
Imagine if you could convince a bear to play hide and seek. This would probably be the result wouldn’t it?
Esa Ringbom caught this superb photo of a brown bear going about its business in Kuhmo, East Finland. We think it makes a great addition to the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards.
I could puke
Lovely day for a walk at the beach. Especially with friends. Not everyone agrees though. The seaside apparently makes that penguin at the rear feel a bit sick.
Lamentation!
Quite possibly the most epic facepalm you’re ever likely to see. This polar bear is either having a bad day or nursing a headache maybe?
A magnificent photograph of an equally magnificent creature.
Like mother like daughter
Some of these photos are amusing, some are just cute. This one shows a pair of Asian Elephants, a mother and daughter, walking tail in tail together.
Just Chillin’
We’re not sure if this raccoon is just chilling out in this tree or in the process of falling out of it. Either way, it makes for an amusing photo.
Having a Laugh
Nothing to see here, just two grizzly bears at Grand Teton National Park trying to change someone’s tyres.
Or maybe they’re trying to steal them? They certainly look a little sheepish.
Having a Laugh
This Scottish seal sure knows how to have a good time. Something is utterly hilarious. We just wish he’d share in the joke.
Ken Crossan managed to snap this awesome photo as a great addition to the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards. and it might be one of our favourites.
Seriously, would you share some
Can I have some of those fish? Are you going to share? These quaint Atlantic Puffins are certainly handsome devils and superb fish catchers as well.
Wait up Mommy, look what I got for you!
What an incredible view this one is. Not only are these elephants surrounded by the wonder of nature, they also look so happy together.
The cooling waters no doubt add to the pleasure.
I had to stay late at work
This guy clearly thinks he’s hilarious. We know the feeling. You break out an amusing dad joke and the other half just rolls their eyes. Sad. Don’t worry, we feel your pain.
Macaque striking a pose
At the Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Luis Martí managed to capture this awesome photo of a cheeky Macaque. Chilling out in the temple, this little chap looks like he’s living his best life.
So Hot
We all enjoy a nice relaxing soak in some warm waters. This snow monkey is no different. Though it looks like it might be a touch too warm even for his taste.
Laughing Hippo
Hippos have a bad reputation for being hungry all the time. These two are trying to change those stereotypes with some shenanigans instead.
Boredom
Life isn’t always fun and bananas for the mountain gorillas. This chap seems bored out of his tiny mind.
Terry the Turtle flipping the bird
This turtle was snapped underwater near Lady Elliot Island, Queensland Australia. They clearly didn’t appreciate having their photo taken, but we’re sure Mark Fitzpatrick was still happy with the results anyway.
Monkey Business
The local bike gangs in Borneo, Malaysia are certainly hairy little blighters. We bet these pig-tailed Macaques get up to plenty of mischief, even if they can’t quite reach the pedals.
Smiley
Say cheese! A handsome Sparisoma cretense knows how to play up to the camera. A cheeky grin and the result is the perfect underwater picture.
Surprise Smiles
Dwarf Mongoose make a surprise appearance from behind a hump, giving photographer Asaf Sereth the perfect chance to snap this ace image.
They’re no doubt as curious about him as he as about them.
Tough negotiations
A fox and a mouse have a nice chat as the little furry one tries to talk themselves out of being eaten.
This image might have been part of the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards, but we feel like it’s good enough to win any wildlife photography prize.
Crashing into the picture
How many times have you ever seen an image photobombed by a giraffe? Not many we bet.
Almost time to get up
This raccoon has either got comically stuck or is on the hunt for some delicious snacks. We’re not really sure. Either way, the results are certainly amusing. A worthy contender for the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards for sure.
Abracadabra
A pair of Brown Pelicans caught frolicking on the waters. The one behind looks like they’re about to pull of some sorts of shenanigans.
We all have that friend
More brown bear antics as some baby bears mess about playing up for the camera.
Socially Uninhibited
At first glance, this Chacma Baboon looks like it’s scratching places people shouldn’t be scratching in public. But we also like that it seems like it’s using a walking cane to get about, like a worn-out old monkey who’s seen better days.
It’s the last day of school holidays
This entry to the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards was submitted by Max Teo and comes from Singapore where two smooth-coated otters are seen cuddling up. Though we’re not sure one appreciates it.
Monkey Business
We have no words! No heavy petting! Come on Macaques you’re on camera, please behave.
Quiet Please
This Kestrel appears to be asking for some quiet as it surveys the landscape, looking for prey or perhaps just a nice new spot to perch.
No Penguins Under Here!
Penguins may be hiding under your car. They may, alternatively, just be hiding under the nearby signage.
How can I fly?
This fantastic photo by Nader Al-Shammari shows an Eagle owl chick apparently trying to learn to fly, readying for a bit of a run-up before launch.
Social distance, please!
Come on now! Give me some room. Don’t you know it’s 2020 and you should be socially distancing?
These Rose Ringed Parakeets were wonderfully snapped by Petr Sochman at Kaudulla national park, Sri Lanka.
I am Champion
A joyful celebration in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan as a Snow Monkey celebrates a wonderfully satisfying dip in pleasant local waters.
O Sole Mio
This is a Spermophile and one that looks like it was asked to strike a pose and went for the cutest one it could possibly manage.
It’s a Mocking Bird
Ok, so this one might well be our favourite photos. A defiant Kingfisher disobeys the local fishing signage and flaunts the rules.
Sally Lloyd-Jones no doubt had to wait around a long time for this photo, but it’s fantastic.
Sun Salutation Class
This very relaxed Sea Lion was spotted by Sue Hollis sunbathing in the Galapagos Islands. Relaxation is the name of the game and this chap knows how to win.
Fun For All Ages
As a young child, we thought there was nothing cooler than having a swing hanging from the tree in the back garden.
It seems like these Langur monkeys feel the same. But since they can’t build their own swings they’re using their friend’s tails instead. Uncomfortable fun abounds.
Faceplant
We know you shouldn’t laugh at someone else’s misery, but it’s hard not to have a chortle at the sight of this
African Elephant accidentally faceplanting while out for a wander.
Hide and Seek
Here’s looking at you kid. This Azure Damselfly appears to be eye-balling you while hilariously clinging on to some undergrowth.
ROFL
Taken at the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, this young lion is apparently loving life and Giovanni Querzani suspected they may be laughing at the photographer’s skills too.
Writing by Adrian Willings.
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