The finalists for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 have been announced: from a caiman wearing a ‘wig’ and a camera-ready meerkat, to a sleeping gosling and a surprise squirrel attack.
This year, the competition received more than 10,000 entries from around the world – the highest number in ten years, according to organizers.
“What started as a small effort to raise awareness about wildlife conservation has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined,” says co-founder Tom Sulllam.
“The competition is now truly global, and in a decade or so we want to make it bigger, funnier and more ambitious than ever. We use humor to get people to feel empathy for wildlife, and it’s this empathy that creates behavior change for the better.”
A team of expert judges, including TV presenter Kate Humble, wildlife filmmaker Hannah Stitfall and climate comedian Stuart Goldsmith, will now choose their favorite images. The overall, category and commendation winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 8.
Finalists for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026
Powered by Barbara Seiberl-Stark
Photographer Barbara Seiberl-Stark took this image by a river in Ruckomechi, Zimbabwe, during their first safari. There were seven lions in total performing, which made it “difficult to decide which direction or scene to point the camera at,” she said.
Zonkling by Céline Nic Oireachtaigh
This adorable image of sleepy gray goslings was taken in Finnamore Lakes, County Offaly, Ireland. Nic Oireachtaigh took the photo using a 500mm lens, so they wouldn’t be disturbed during their nap.
Did I sleep after waking up? by Fabi-Fregonesi
This perfectly timed shot of a blenny is the result of several focused dives. It was hidden by a small camouflaged tube on the reef and opened its mouth to feed for a split second.
Lessons from Heather Cudworth
Elephants are known for dust bathing, but this calf might have gotten more than it wanted. “Mom paused for a while, then picked up a particularly large amount of debris,” says photographer Heather Cudworth. “She pulled her trunk back like she was getting ready for a batting pitch, then doused her kid with probably the most high-pressure dust bath he’d ever experienced, right in the face!”
Angry Bird by Jan Wittmer
The goldcrest is Europe’s smallest bird, measuring less than 9cm and weighing about the same as a 5p coin. Here Jan Wittmer captures the moment of coming to a complete stop in front of the camera on the island of Helgoland, Germany.
Are you kidding me? by Kevin Lohman
“A young great horned owl had barely settled into its perch when a protective squirrel launched a surprise aerial tackle, knocking it into the grass below,” says photographer Kevin Lohman. “The most incredible part? The squirrel repeated the stunt two more times. Both the owl and the squirrel were shaken, but unharmed.”
Sexy Mantis by Diego Perez
Whether people thought this green mantis was sunbathing or posing, they always seemed to laugh when photographer Diego Perez showed them the photo. He spent time trying to frame the inset in an unusual way during a nighttime walk in Cusco, Peru.
Smile of Marek Jackowski
At Gold Harbor in South Georgia, king penguins and elephant seals share a busy shoreline, with the penguins quickly dispersing to avoid the giants. “Right on cue, this absolute unit of a male seal appeared, hit me with a breathtaking 10/10 smile and sent the chick panic squad running for their lives,” said photographer Marek Jackowski.
Elvis by Paolo Torre
Photographer Paolo Torre captured the moment a Pantanal caiman emerged from the water with floating vegetation on its head, giving it a certain 1950s rock and roll look.
Morning gymnastics by Scott Suriano
This brown bear was caught doing warm-up exercises at Lake Clark, Alaska, including what looks like bicycle kicks.
Hair check before family photo by Subi Sridharan
A group of meerkats in Namibia appear to be preparing for a close-up. But one appeared to insist on carrying out a last-minute grooming inspection – much to the little one’s dismay.
Out of Water by Thong Duy Vu
Thong Duy Vu spotted a garden sunbird landing on a banana flower and enjoying the nectar. “After his treat, he jumped into the ‘bathtub’ and started enjoying the cool, refreshing water. He tilted his head this way, spread his wings this way and wagged his tail, sending droplets splashing all over his body,” he explained.
You can view the full list of finalists here.
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