Nikon Comedy Wildlife 2026: Wildlife Photography Meets Comedy
A decade after its inception, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has reached a new milestone with over 10,000 submissions for the 2026 edition. This year’s finalists hail from 112 countries, highlighting the global resonance of humor in conservation. The competition, founded in 2015, aims to promote sustainable conservation efforts, partnering this year with the Born Free Foundation.
Finalists Announced for Nikon Comedy Wildlife 2026 Competition
This year’s contest boasts 40 individual finalists, alongside categories for young photographers, portfolios, and videos. Winners will be revealed on December 8 at an awards ceremony in London. The awards celebrate humor across four main categories: mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians/insects, and aquatic species.
Push Over – Barbara Seiberl-Stark, Austria
Photographer Barbara Seiberl-Stark captured a playful lion pride in Zimbabwe‘s Ruckomechi during her first safari. The image, taken at sunrise, shows the lighthearted antics of young lions. The photo was taken with a Sony a1 II and a 300mm lens, perfectly embodying the spirit of the competition.
Lessons – Heather Cudworth, USA
Heather Cudworth’s photo from Amboseli National Park, Kenya, illustrates elephants giving themselves dust baths amid a severe drought. Captured with Canon gear, this image reflects both humor in wildlife and a poignant environmental message.
If I Can’t See You – Cliff Fawcett, UK
In South Africa‘s Addo National Park, Cliff Fawcett snapped a juvenile elephant seemingly playing hide-and-seek with its trunk. The humorous moment was captured with a Nikon Z7 II camera, a highlight in this year’s competition.
Sexy Mantis – Diego Perez, Peru
A green mantis strikes a pose in Peru, as photographed by Diego Perez. The mantis’s humorous appearance, taken with a Canon EOS R5, provided a memorable encounter during Perez’s wildlife documentation, earning its place among the finalists.
For a different take on the natural world, discover how Patrick Dougherty weaves willow sculptures into forest landscapes, blending art and nature seamlessly.
The Different One – Dirk Koster, Netherlands
Dirk Koster’s whimsical photography in the Masai Mara, Kenya, captures a giraffe seemingly wearing a tree as a hat. Koster’s work emphasizes the unplanned magic of nature’s humor, truly a delight for enthusiasts of the awards.
Angry Bird – Jan Wittmer, Germany
On the island of Helgoland, Jan Wittmer encountered a goldcrest bird striking a comical pose. Captured at eye level with a Sony a1, this image is a testament to the unpredictable charm of wildlife and the essence of the competition.
Are You Kidding Me? – Kevin Lohman, USA
Kevin Lohman photographed an unusual encounter between a young Great Horned Owl and a persistent squirrel. Over a dramatic ninety minutes, the squirrel knocked the owlet from its perch three times, creating a series of unforgettable images taken with a Nikon Z9, showcasing the humor in wildlife as championed by the awards.
From playful lions to mischievous squirrels, wildlife often provides a touch of whimsy. Explore David Rice’s Wildlife Portraits for a unique blend of nature and artistic expression.
Source: dpreview.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the goal of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards?
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards aim to promote sustainable conservation efforts and have partnered this year with the Born Free Foundation.
How many submissions were there for the 2026 Nikon Awards?
The 2026 edition of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards received over 10,000 submissions.
How many countries are represented in the 2026 Nikon Awards finalists?
This year’s finalists come from 112 countries, highlighting the global resonance of humor in conservation.