The 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have done it again—delivering laugh-out-loud moments captured in the wild that are as charming as they are surprising. A sneak peek at this year’s best entries so far reveals a delightful mix of perfectly timed animal antics, from expressive faces to unexpectedly human-like behavior.
Among the standout submissions is a tiny lizard seemingly giving a royal wave, a charismatic rhino strutting its stuff, and two mudskippers caught in what looks like a synchronized duet. These images aren’t just funny—they showcase the incredible timing and creativity of photographers from around the world who’ve already submitted over a thousand entries.
The Nikon-sponsored competition, beloved for blending humor with wildlife awareness, invites both seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs to contribute. And this year’s early highlights are already living up to the legacy. The judges promise even more visual comedy gold as the competition heads toward its June 30th deadline.
Whether it’s a bear pulling a goofy face, a penguin mid-slip, or a monkey appearing deep in thought, these photos do more than entertain. They help foster a love for nature and emphasize the importance of conservation through the power of laughter.
With the official shortlist still to come, this early gallery is a joyful reminder of just how unexpectedly funny the animal kingdom can be. One thing’s for sure—the 2025 Comedy Wildlife Awards are shaping up to be the most side-splitting edition yet!
Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check their website for more information.
You can find more info about NCWA:
#1."Go away" by Annette Kirby
"White Tailed Sea Eagle, Hokkaido Japan – This was taken in Japan where I was observing a White-Tailed Sea Eagle putting their fish in a hole and protecting it. This one had a fish and saw another Eagle coming in to try and steal it."
#2. "Go give it a try!" by Bhargava Srivari
"Lion, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya – The image shows Lion siblings at play, where one of the siblings seems to pushing the other one to do stuff that annoys their mom. Lions aren’t natural climbers, so it looks like one sibling is encouraging the other to do something naughty!"
#3. "I hate Ikea" by Brian Hempstead
"Common Myna Nest Build, Kruger NP South Africa – Photo taken at Kruger NP South Africa outside Skukuza Camp on Lower Sabie Rd at Sunset Dam in October and November during a self driving birding trip around National Parks of South Africa."
#4. "Laugh like no-one is watching" by Emma Parker
"Blue Spotted Mudskipper, Western Australia – Two joyful mudskippers look they are having the best time in the mud – I just wish I knew what the joke was! Mud is fun."
#5. "Happy deer" by Jeremy Duvekot
"Roedeer, The Netherlands – This roedeer was yofull running around and suddenly coming my way. Had only 1 chance and nailed it."
#6. "Aaaaaww Mum!" by Mark Meth-Cohn
"Gorilla, Rwanda – Caring Gorilla mum giving her infant a big sloppy kiss!"
#7. "Queueing for the polar plunge" by Martin Schmid
"Gentoo Penguins, Neumayer Channel, Antarctica – A really spontaneous shot from an expedition ship in Antarctica. Those gentoo penguins seemed to orderly wait in queue to finally jump into the sea. Taken in January 2025."
#8. "Commandeer" by Rachelle Mackintosh
"Galapagos marine iguana and lava lizard, Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – A lava lizard takes charge of a Galapagos marine iguana and sets off on a ride. Judging by the iguana’s possessed eyes, lava lizard may have taken over its soul, too. These two silly billies were hanging out with a big bunch of marine iguanas on a rocky beach. Photographed handheld on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos Islands in Oct 2023."
#9. "Waving Dragon" by Trevor Rix
"Gippsland Waterdragon, Murrumbidgee River near Canberra, ACT, Australia – Wandering along the Murrumbidgee River we spotted a few lizards sc urrying under the rocks looking for lunch, next thing this junior Gippsland Waterdragon popped up and gave us a friendly wave."
#10. "The wig" by Yann Chauvette
"Greater One-Horned Rhino, Chitwan National Park, Nepal – A Greater One-Horned Rhino feasting on aquatic fine dining, diving underwater and getting back up with a new wig made out of his delicious meal."
