The 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards delivered a delightful dose of humor and artistry, showcasing nature’s most amusing moments through the lenses of talented photographers. This year’s competition,marking its tenth edition, broke records with over 9,000 entries. From a squirrel with impeccable timing to a raccoon sharing a secret, these photos remind us that wildlife can be as entertaining as it is awe-inspiring.

The Winning Shot: A Wily Squirrel Takes the Spotlight

Italian photographer Milko Marchetti claimed the top prize with his endearing photo of a squirrel darting into a hollow tree. The whimsical moment resonated with the judges, earning Marchetti a dream safari at Kenya’s Masai Mara. Reflecting on his win, Marchetti described nature photography as his lifelong passion, a medium to “freeze a moment and make it last forever.”

Other Standout Winners

While Marchetti’s squirrel stole the show, other photographers brought their A-game with equally captivating entries:

Tapani Linnanmäki snagged the People’s Choice Award with “Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll,” featuring a white-tailed eagle comically ruffling its feathers, captured using a Nikon Z9’s autocapture feature.

Sarthak Ranganadhan, a young talent under 16, charmed audiences with “Smooching Owlets,” a playful depiction of two spotted owlets caught in a moment of affectionate privacy.

Przemyslaw Jakubczyk took home the Aquatic Animals Award with the hilariously ironic “Unexpected Role Swap,” showing a fish turning the tables on a bald eagle.

Honorable Mentions: Nature’s Funniest Cast

The highly commended entries kept the humor flowing, with highlights including:

Artur Stankiewicz’s “I’m Too Sexy for My Love,” portraying a hippo adorned with water plants, striking a pose straight out of a fashion shoot.

Randy Herman’s “You’re Not My Mother,” capturing a startled owlet confronting an intrusive woodpecker.

Andy Rouse’s “Alright Mate Back Off,” showcasing a king penguin defending his mate with unmistakable body language.

Why It Matters

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards not only celebrate the lighter side of nature but also aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. By spotlighting the quirks and personalities of animals, the competition inspires a deeper connection to the natural world and its preservation.

 In 2015, The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards was born from Paul’s small office in Usa River on the slopes of Mt Meru in northern Tanzania. Soon after, Co-Founder and photographer Tom Sullam was bought on board and then Michelle Wood, a couple of years later.

Since then, steered by its founders, the competition has grown and grown into a global competition that’s able to make a meaningful contribution to the amazing world of wildlife.

The 2024 winners bask in their well-earned glory, their work sets the bar high for next year’s contestants. The awards continue to be a reminder that nature, with all its beauty and unpredictability, has an undeniable sense of humor.

“Our world is extraordinarily beautiful and interconnected, yet the human race is doing its best to over-exploit and damage it. Issues of wildlife conservation and sustainability are gaining momentum globally, yet the messages and images tend to be negative, depressing and enervating.”  Paul Joynson-Hicks, Comedy Wildlife co-founder

For more winning shots and the stories behind them, visit the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards website. Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer or simply someone who loves a good laugh, these images promise to leave you smiling.