10 funniest images of wildlife that have won awards

Wildlife photography often captures the majestic and awe-inspiring aspects of nature, but sometimes, it also reveals the humorous side of the animal kingdom. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate these moments, showcasing the funniest and most entertaining images of wildlife. As per their official website, the free competition is open to all wildlife photography novices, amateurs and professionals, and the criteria is that one shouldn't be using a professional camera. The award celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it. In this awards, novice and expert photographers can enter up to 10 images: 4 portfolio entries and an additional 6 entries for the different categories every year. Here are ten award-winning images that have brought smiles and laughter to people around the world.

Captured by Ken Jensen in Yunnan, China, this image shows a golden silk monkey in a rather uncomfortable position. Taken in August 2020, the monkey appears to be in pain as it sits on a wire, creating a comical yet relatable scene. This photo won the Overall Winner award in 2021, highlighting the lighter side of wildlife.

Image: Ken Jensen/Instagram

Andrea Zampatti’s photo of a dormouse seemingly laughing was taken in Italy’s Abruzzo National Park in 2016. The dormouse, perched on a flower, looks like it is having a hearty laugh, making it an instant favorite. This image won the Creatures of the Land category in 2017, charming viewers with its joyful expression.

Image: Andrea Zampatti/Instagram

Mark Fitzpatrick’s hilarious shot of a turtle giving the camera what looks like a rude gesture was taken at Lady Elliot Island, Australia, in 2020. The turtle’s timing and the angle of the shot make it appear as if it is flipping the bird, earning it the title of the People’s Choice Award in 2020.

Image: greenme_it/Instagram

Arthur Telle Thiemann captured a grinning parrotfish in the Canary Islands in 2019. The fish’s wide, toothy smile is both endearing and amusing, making it a standout entry. This photo won the Underwater category in 2019, showcasing the playful side of marine life. The Canary Islands have a population of 2,153,389 inhabitants (2019), making it the eighth most populous of Spain. Parrotfish are renowned for their bright, multicolored scales, which can include shades of blue, green, yellow, red, and pink. Their coloration can change with age, sex, and even stress levels.

Mary McGowan’s image of a surprised squirrel was taken in Florida, USA, in 2018. The squirrel’s wide-eyed expression and raised paws make it look like it has been caught doing something mischievous. This photo won the Overall Winner award in 2018, delighting audiences with its comedic timing.

Image: BBC/Facebook

John Speirs captured a pigeon with leaves perfectly placed on its head, making it look like it’s wearing a hat. This humorous image won the Highly Commended award in 2021, showcasing the whimsical side of wildlife.

Arthur Trevino’s photo shows a prairie dog appearing to fend off a bald eagle in mid-attack. The prairie dog’s stance and the timing of the shot make it look like a martial arts move, earning it the Highly Commended award in 2021.

Vicki Jauron's image captures a delightful and humorous moment of an elephant enjoying a mud bath on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. In this image, the elephant appears to have face-planted into the mud, creating a comical scene that highlights the playful and carefree nature of these majestic animals. The photograph, part of a series, showcases the elephant’s sheer joy and exuberance as it indulges in this muddy activity, bringing a smile to viewers’ faces and celebrating the lighter side of wildlife

Image: Vicki Jauron/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

“Peekaboo” by Shane Keena is a delightful and humorous photograph that captures an owl seemingly playing a game of peekaboo. Taken in California, USA, this image won the Creatures of the Air category in the 2018 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The owl’s surprised expression as it peeks out from below adds a touch of whimsy to the scene, showcasing the lighter and more endearing side of wildlife.

Image: Shane Keena/Instagram

“Time for School” by Chee Kee Teo captures a heartwarming and humorous moment of a baby smooth-coated otter being carried by its parent. Taken in Singapore, this image shows the parent otter grabbing the baby by the scruff of its neck, seemingly taking it to a swimming lesson. The baby otter’s wide-eyed expression adds to the comedic charm of the photo, which won the Creatures Under the Sea category in the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Image: Chee Kee Teo/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Capturing wildlife on lens is a mesmerizing experience that brings us closer to the raw and untamed beauty of nature. Each photograph tells a unique story, freezing a moment in time that showcases the intricate behaviors and stunning diversity of wildlife. Whether it’s an adorable laughing doormour, an elephant falling flat on its face, or gossiping raccoons, these images evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world, alongside humour. The challenge of capturing these fleeting moments requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of animal behavior, making each successful shot a triumph of both art and science. Through wildlife photography, we not only preserve the beauty of our planet but also inspire others to appreciate and protect the incredible creatures that share our world.

Image: Canva

The question of whether animals understand humor is intriguing and has been the subject of various studies. While animals may not comprehend humor in the same complex way humans do, there is evidence suggesting that some species exhibit behaviors that resemble playful teasing and laughter. For instance, great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans have been observed engaging in activities that seem to be intended to provoke a reaction, such as poking or surprising each other. Additionally, dogs often display playful behaviors that can be interpreted as a form of humor, such as play-bowing and mock-chasing. These actions indicate that animals can experience and express a form of humor, primarily through social interactions and play, which strengthens bonds and enhances social cohesion within their groups. While their understanding of humor may not be as sophisticated as that of humans, these behaviors suggest that animals do have a sense of playfulness that could be considered a rudimentary form of humor.

Image: Canva

Some of the funniest wild animals are those that exhibit quirky behaviors and amusing appearances. Monkeys, especially species like the golden silk monkey, often find themselves in hilarious predicaments, such as slipping on tightropes. Prairie dogs can be quite entertaining, especially when they perform unexpected jumps to escape predators, creating a real-life David vs. Goliath moment. Otters are known for their playful antics, like sliding on their bellies and juggling rocks, which never fail to amuse. Meerkats, with their curious and vigilant nature, often strike funny poses while standing on their hind legs to survey their surroundings. Lastly, penguins can be quite comical with their waddling walk and occasional tumbles on the ice. These animals bring joy and laughter with their unique and endearing behaviors.

Image: Canva

Rafting is a fascinating behavior observed in sea otters, where they form groups called “rafts” to stay together and avoid drifting apart while resting or sleeping. These rafts can consist of a few to several hundred otters, often wrapping themselves in kelp to anchor in place. This behavior is crucial for their survival, as sea otters lack a blubber layer and rely on their dense fur and high-calorie diet to stay warm. Rafting not only provides physical stability but also fosters social interactions, allowing otters to groom each other and strengthen social bonds.

Image: Canva

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate the lighter side of wildlife photography by recognizing the funniest and most entertaining images of animals in their natural habitats. Founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the competition aims to promote wildlife conservation through humor. Photographers from around the world submit their best comedic wildlife photos, which are then reviewed by a panel of judges that includes renowned wildlife photographers, TV presenters, and conservationists. The judging process evaluates the originality, humor, and technical excellence of each entry. Winners are awarded in various categories such as air, sea, and land animals, with the top prize including a handmade trophy and a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya. The competition not only brings joy and laughter to audiences but also raises awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Image: Canva

Here’s a funny and lesser-known fact about monkeys: Male capuchin monkeys have a unique way of attracting female partners—they urinate on their hands and then rub the urine into their fur! This unusual behavior is thought to make them more appealing to potential mates.

Image: Canva

One of the funniest and lesser-known facts about wild animals involves the screaming hairy armadillo. This small creature, native to South America, has a unique defense mechanism: it emits a loud, high-pitched scream that sounds remarkably similar to a newborn human baby’s cry. This unexpected and somewhat comical sound can startle predators and give the armadillo a chance to escape. It’s a fascinating example of how animals have evolved unusual ways to protect themselves in the wild.

Image: Canva

Here’s a funny fact: Dolphins use pufferfish to get high! Dolphins have been observed carefully handling pufferfish, causing them to release toxins. In small doses, these toxins have a narcotic effect, and dolphins seem to enjoy the sensation. They even pass the pufferfish around in a group, much like a party activity.

Image: Canva