Nature’s Paparazzi Strike Again: Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Winners Announced

If you love a good laugh, admire artistic photography, and adore animals in all their hilarious glory, then you’re in for a treat. After much anticipation, the results are finally in: the winners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have been revealed, and they do not disappoint.

This year’s entries captured nature at its most delightfully unexpected, with perfectly timed snapshots that made us laugh, pause, and marvel at the lighter side of the wild. From squirrels in awkward predicaments to birds mid-blunder, these images remind us that nature has a brilliant sense of humor. Below, we’re showcasing the top winners and highly commended photos that took the spotlight in this year’s competition. Don’t forget to scroll through and let us know your favorite in the comments!

#1 Insect Category Winner: Jose Miguel Gallego Molina – “Mantis Flamenca”

A praying mantis strikes a pose that could rival a flamenco dancer, its limbs elegantly extended in a burst of movement.

#2 Overall Winner & Mammal Category Winner: Milko Marchetti – “Stuck Squirrel”

A squirrel caught in a hilariously awkward situation wins the top prize, photographed by Italian professional photographer Milko Marchetti.

#3 Highly Commended: Andy Rouse – “Alright Mate, Back Off. This Is My Bird”

A bold bird makes its territorial stance known, hilariously captured mid-confrontation.

#4 Highly Commended: Ralph Robinson – “Gang Of Four”

Four cheeky creatures pose like a synchronized comedy troupe, delivering smiles with their united presence.

#5 Highly Commended: Takashi Kubo – “Mafia Boss”

A bird with a serious face and powerful stance channels the energy of a movie mob boss.

#6 Highly Commended: Randy Herman – “You’re Not My Mother”

This amusing moment captures an animal’s very expressive rejection, making us all laugh with its timing.

#7 Highly Commended: Jan Piecha – “I’ll Tell You A Secret”

A sneaky little whisper between two animals suggests gossip even in the wild.

#8 Highly Commended: Artur Stankiewicz – “I’m Too Sexy For My Love”

Strike a pose! This animal exudes confidence, appearing mid-model strut like it belongs on a runway.

#9 Highly Commended: Leslie McLeod – “Hide And Seek”

A cheetah climbs a tree with a backdrop that tells an entirely different story, proving the comedy of camouflage.

#10 Fish & Aquatic Animals Category Winner: Przemyslaw Jakubczyk – “Unexpected Role Swap”

An eagle and fish reverse roles in this perfectly timed photo, catching a moment mid-chase above the water.

#11 Highly Commended: Marti Phillips – “Are You Kidding”

Two seals on a beach appear to be in the middle of a comical conversation, complete with incredulous expressions.

#12 Portfolio Award Winner: Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb – “Dancing To The Music, Rock Guitar, Roly Poly, Weight Lifting”

A series of images featuring a squirrel doing everything from air-guitaring to lifting twigs. Pure comedy gold.

#13 People’s Choice Award Winner: Tapani Linnanmäki – “Shake Ruffle Rattle And Roll”

A fluffy bird captured mid-shake on snowy ground makes for one of the most charming photos of the year.

#14 Reptile Category Winner: Eberhard Ehmke – “Frog In A Balloon”

A frog’s head appears inside a bubble underwater, creating a surreal and funny moment straight out of a cartoon.

#15 Bird Category Winner: Damyan Petkov – “Whiskered Tern Crash On Landing”

This photo captures the exact moment of a bird’s epic landing fail, full of faceplant energy.

#16 Nikon Junior Photographer Category Winner: Sarthak Ranganadhan – “Smooching Owlets”

Three owlets perch on a branch, with two sharing a moment of what looks suspiciously like a feathered smooch.

#17 Highly Commended: Arvind Mohandas – “The Contemplative Chimpanzee”

A chimpanzee appears deep in thought, a portrait of existential pondering in the jungle.

#18 Highly Commended: Sanjay Patil – “The Rock Star”

A lizard poses in such a dynamic way it practically demands a stadium tour and a guitar solo.

#19 Nikon Young Photographer Category Winner: Kingston Tam – “Awkward Smiley Frog”

This grinning amphibian proves that not all smiles are created equal. Some are just pure comedy.

Every year, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards remind us of the joy that exists in observing nature with a light-hearted eye. These winning photos not only entertain us but also bring awareness to wildlife conservation with a dose of laughter.

Stay tuned for next year’s entries—who knows what funny feathered friend or hilarious hoofed hero might take the stage next!