Critter Chaos: Record-Breaking 10,000 Animals Compete to Lose Their Dignity

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards reached a major milestone for its 2026 competition, receiving more than 10,000 entries for the first time in its history. 

A decade after its founding, the record-breaking pool of submissions brought in hilarious animal shenanigans from photographers across 112 countries. The competition has narrowed the field down to a shortlist of finalists – including 40 individual entries, 3 under-16 entries, 4 portfolios, and 9 videos – all competing for the grand prize of an African safari in Kenya's Masai Mara. 

The overall winner, category winners and Highly Commended entries will be announced at an awards ceremony in London, UK on December 08, 2026. 

Alongside the awards, a free exhibition showing the work of the finalists will take place at Gallery@Oxo in the city from December 09–13. A related exhibition of past Comedy Wildlife award winners is also currently on at Frameless running until January 2027.

Co-founders Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks noted that hitting this milestone proves how powerful humor can be in driving empathy and awareness for global wildlife conservation. 

I'm not going to feature the shortlisted photos that capture nature's lighter side – only the nine that have really caught my attention: 

Sexy Mantis

Location: Camanti in the Quispicanchi Province of the Cusco Region in southeastern Peru

Photographer description: A tiny green mantis peeks over a leaf during a night walk in an area of Cusco, Peru, that is still waiting to be protected. 

At first, the mantis seems to be sunbathing, or perhaps striking a rather glamorous pose. But there is also a small visual trick: half of the insect is hidden behind the leaf. Its hind legs disappear from view and, suddenly, its enormous forelegs begin to look almost like a pair of human legs. 

Elvis

Location: Pantanal, Brazil

Photographer description: This caiman emerged from the water in an area with a lot of floating vegetation, and part of it remained on its head. It resembles a 1950s rock and roll hairstyle.

The DNA Doesn't Lie

Location: Borneo jungle 

Photographer description: A wild orangutan in the rainforests of Borneo appears to deliver a perfectly timed gesture toward the camera. As he finishes a meal with one finger extended, it creates the unmistakable impression that he is flipping off the lens. 

Though entirely coincidental, the moment captures an almost unsettling reflection of ourselves in one of our closest relatives.

Nectar and Chill: Inside a Sunbird’s Five-Star Spa

Location: Vietnam 

Photographer description: On a gentle sunlit afternoon, a little sunbird excitedly set off for a five-star spa deep in the forest. From afar, he spotted a “natural bathtub” – a bright red banana blossom, filled with cool water and plenty of sweet nectar. He landed on the blossom and savored the sweet nectar. After his treat, he hopped into the “tub” and began enjoying the refreshing, cool water.

Did I Sleep Past My Alarm?

Location: Curaçao, part of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea

Photographer description: Behind the comical face is a story of extreme underwater patience. This blenny in Curaçao was hidden inside a tiny, camouflaged tube on the reef, and it opened its mouth to feed for a split second. To transform this moment into a highly precise wildlife encounter, it took multiple targeted dives. 

Exact timing was crucial to catch the fish’s sharp expression within its natural environment, showing that the smallest ocean residents often have the biggest personalities.

Chameleon Smash!

Location: Senegal 

Photographer description: This Senegal chameleon looked less like a reptile and more like a tiny green action hero in this shot. 

The Morning Wave 

Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK 

Photographer description: This sleepy damselfly had slowly climbed a blade of grass, so I gently placed it on a leaf for one last portrait. Instead of posing politely, it disappeared behind the leaf, popped its head through a readymade window, and as I pressed the shutter ... gave me a cheerful wave. Clearly, someone wanted the last laugh!

Doris Digs the Floral Look

Location: Lake Kumana, inside Kumana National Park on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka

Photographer description: An Asian water buffalo surfaces from Lake Kumana, Sri Lanka, wearing a bonnet of flowers.

"When this water buffalo lifted her head up, it looked like she had a fancy bonnet on so we called her Doris!" 

Hair Check Before the Family Photo

Location: Namibia

Subject: Three meerkats posing together, with one meerkat giving a last-minute grooming inspection to the others.

Shredding for the Salmon Run

Location: Alaska, USA

Subject: A female brown bear was captured appearing to do her morning exercises around Lake Clark in Alaska, US. Her workout routine included some bicycle kicks as she appeared to get herself ready for the summer season.