The natural world is often depicted at its most majestic: birds soaring, predators prowling, and ferocious wildlife perfectly adapted to survive in unforgiving conditions. But nature also has a funny side. Every once in a while, a photographer happens to be in the right place, at exactly the right time, to capture a fleeting glimpse of wildlife that’s less majestic and much more fun.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have just announced the shortlist for this year’s competition. The images feature some of the more serious animals in rather unserious poses, perfectly staged for a good laugh.
Winners of the annual competition will be announced on December 8. Until then, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite images that are sure to make you laugh.
The different
Trust is everything, and this young giraffe knows it.
Photographer Dirk Koster captured three giraffes standing side by side in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, while a single umbrella acacia tree perfectly aligned with the head of the middle one. “The giraffe seemed to be wearing the tree, like a green headdress or a fancy hat,” Koster said. “Nothing was staged or arranged; it was about being in the right place at the right time.”
Morning gymnastics
A brown bear was caught trying to get her morning exercise around Lake Clark, Alaska. The photo shows the fitness influencer awaiting her big comeback. Seriously, look at that focus.
Feather coats are forever
This fashionable eagle was captured during a deadly sea ice parade on the west coast of Finland. Photographer Tapani Linnanmäki suspects it is the same white-tailed eagle that won the People’s Choice Award in 2024.
Sexy mantis
This little green mantis was seen lounging on a leaf in an area of Camanti, Cusco, Peru, as if whispering to the camera, “Oh, hey. Didn’t see you there.” Since half of the insect is hidden behind the leaf, its front legs resemble a pair of human legs to make it appear as if the mantis is casually sunbathing.
Resting owl face
Owls don’t have an attitude problem, it’s just their face. Photographer Ka Chun Kacy spotted the screech owl perched on a branch in China’s Nanling National Forest Park, where it began singing in front of a group of bird watchers. Unfortunately, this adorable creature can’t help but look unimpressed.
A spadefish under pressure
Whatever you do, don’t look back! In the waters of Dumaguete, Philippines, a giant, murky silhouette of a whale shark appears behind a spadefish, which clearly appears stressed.
Out of the water
This little solar bird enjoys a five-star spa treatment in a red banana flower. The bird treated itself to some delicious nectar before relaxing in the water-filled flower, tilting its head back completely to absorb it all. Life is beautiful.
Gn entert
