2 October announced the finalists of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 — an annual competition in which photographers capture the funniest and most unexpected moments from the lives of wild animals.
This year the competition received more than 10 000 entries from 112 countries. 40 individual photographs made it to the final, along with three works by participants up to 16 years old, four portfolios and nine videos.
And the selection turned out magnificent.
There is a caiman whose algae have given it an almost perfect hairstyle. The reptile peeks out of the water with the air of a creature that is absolutely certain: today it looks especially good.
There is a leopard that has practically stood up on its front paws on a tree branch. It seems ordinary walking has bored it and it decided to take up artistic gymnastics.
There is a polar bear and a small seagull, sitting opposite each other on the ice as if discussing something extremely important. And the bear is clearly listening attentively.
A particular favourite is a fish with its mouth wide open and a completely astonished expression. The shot is titled “Did I sleep through my alarm?” — and she looks exactly like a person who has suddenly realised that the working day began forty minutes ago.
Among the finalists there is also a praying mantis that struck such a striking pose that the photographer titled the shot Sexy Mantis, an angry tiny bird, a chameleon that looks as if it is running across a red-hot floor, and many other scenes that could never have been staged on purpose.
And that is precisely the main charm of the competition.
The animals are not dressed up, not made to pose, and no scenes are created on purpose. These are genuine moments from the wild, caught at the right second.
All the photographer has to do is be in the right place at the right moment.
The winners will be announced 8 December in London.
But one thing is already clear:
nature still does not need a scriptwriter. Sometimes a camera and one very lucky second are enough.
