The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has announced the 40 finalists selected for its 2026 competition, capping a record-breaking year for the contest that celebrates nature's most amusing moments.
Organizers reported receiving more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries, the largest submission total in the competition's history. The finalist pool includes images such as a preying mantis appearing to relax, captured by Diego Perez; a caiman nicknamed "Elvis" photographed by Paolo Torre; an "Angry Bird" portrait of a tiny goldcrest by Jan Wittmer of Germany; a frame titled "The different one" by Dirk Koster of the Netherlands; a wild orangutan in a Borneo rainforest photographed by Tanner-Mansell; "Are You Kidding Me?" featuring a young Great Horned Owl in the USA by Kevin Lohman; an image by Thong Duy Vu; and a photograph by Charles Janson.
The top prize includes a safari with Alex Walker Serian in the Masai Mara, described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, along with a range of camera prizes provided by Nikon.
The competition does not charge an entry fee and welcomes participants at every skill level, from those new to wildlife photography to hobbyists and working professionals. Additional details are available at www.comedywildlifephoto.com.
Competition Co-Founder Tom Sullam said, "We use humor to get people to feel empathy towards wildlife—and it's that empathy that creates behavioral change for the better," according to Good News Network.
Members of the public can now cast ballots for the People's Choice Award. One voter chosen at random will receive $500.