From a lounging yellow-cheeked gibbon to a dancing mountain gorilla, this year’s finalists for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2025 are guaranteed to bring a smile. The shortlisted photographs were selected from nearly 10,000 entries submitted by both amateur and professional photographers worldwide.
Founded in 2015, the annual competition uses the power of humour to raise awareness about wildlife and habitat conservation.
Celebrating the Lighter Side of Nature
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards aim to show that conservation can inspire joy and connection, not just concern. Each finalist image reveals a spontaneous moment of animal personality — whether it’s curiosity, playfulness, or pure comedic timing.
According to Sky News, the competition received thousands of submissions this year, highlighting animals from every corner of the planet — from African grasslands to tropical forests and frozen Arctic habitats.
“These images combine wit and wonder to celebrate nature’s character, while emphasising the urgency of conservation,” said Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe’s Senior General Manager of Marketing.
“At Nikon, we’re proud to support a competition that sparks joy, while reminding us why our wild world is worth protecting.”
From Global Submissions to London Stage
The contest’s international reach continues to grow, attracting photographers who capture unique animal expressions in the wild. Judges reviewed nearly 10,000 photographs, eventually selecting a group of finalists that best reflected both technical excellence and comedic charm.
Among the highlights are:
- A yellow-cheeked gibbon lounging lazily on a branch, striking a pose of complete relaxation.
- A mountain gorilla mid-dance, caught in a moment of joyful abandon.
- Several surprising close-ups of animals appearing to “laugh,” “pose,” or “perform” for the camera.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony in London on December 9, 2025, where prizes will be awarded across several categories including Creatures of the Air, Land, and Sea, as well as the People’s Choice Award.
Conservation Through Laughter
What sets this contest apart is its mission to connect audiences to conservation through humour. The founders of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards believe that lightheartedness can drive meaningful change by reminding people of what’s at stake.
“When people laugh at these wonderful images, they form an emotional connection with wildlife,” Maier said. “That sense of joy can be a powerful motivator to protect nature.”
The event’s proceeds and partnerships also support global conservation charities, promoting the protection of species and their habitats.
Inspiring Joy and Action
As the finalists’ images circulate worldwide, they continue to demonstrate how creativity can serve the planet. In a world often overwhelmed by dire environmental headlines, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards offer something rare — a reason to smile while caring deeply about Earth’s future.
The winning entries will be showcased in galleries and online exhibitions following the December ceremony, celebrating photographers who capture not only the beauty of wildlife, but also its humour and heart.
What’s your favourite among this year’s finalists? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
