Nikon Comedy Wildlife Award Finalists Named
Organizers have narrowed down over 10,000 entries to 56 finalists for the annual photography competition.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Do you believe that using humor is an effective way to support wildlife conservation efforts?
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards revealed 56 finalists selected from more than 10,000 submissions across 112 countries. These entries capture humorous animal moments ranging from praying mantises to buffaloes.
Why it matters
The competition aims to highlight the lighter side of nature while raising awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
The 2026 competition features 56 finalists chosen from 10,000 global entries, including 40 works in the individual category. The diverse selection showcases animals ranging from foxes to tropical fish.
The players
Born Free Foundation
This international wildlife charity collaborates with the competition to promote the protection of endangered species.
The details
Participants captured comical moments featuring a variety of species like buffaloes and praying mantises from locations including Cusco, Peru. The event collaborates with the Born Free Foundation to support conservation efforts.
Timeline
The competition launched in 2015.
Voting for the Popular Award began on October 2, 2026.
The Grand Prize winner will be announced on December 8, 2026.
An exhibition of all finalists will run from December 9 to 13, 2026.
Voting for the Popular Award ends on March 1, 2027.
Culture Shift
This year's competition marks a significant evolution from the 2015 inaugural contest, highlighting how humorous wildlife photography has gained global reach. The event now draws talent from 112 countries, reflecting an international shift toward using levity to engage the public in conservation.
Readers can participate by voting for the Popular Award through the competition website until March 1, 2027. Engaging with these entries provides a lighthearted way to support the ongoing conservation goals of the partner organizations.
The takeaway
Wildlife photography serves as an effective tool for conservation by humanizing species through humor rather than just clinical observation. Fans of nature photography can support these efforts by participating in the public voting process for the Popular Award.
What happens next
The Grand Prize winner will be revealed in London on December 8, 2026, followed by a public exhibition of the finalist works occurring from December 9 through December 13, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of nature and humor on our Wildlife page.
More information
View the full gallery of finalists on the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards official site.
Live Poll
Do you believe that using humor is an effective way to support wildlife conservation efforts?
