Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists Have Been Selected

Wildlife photography finalists from 112 countries are now competing for the top prize.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a single elephant silhouette in a whimsical posture, evoking the playful nature of wildlife conservation photography.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has narrowed its field to fifty-six finalists, showcasing humorous animal interactions while promoting global conservation efforts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe that using humor is an effective way to support wildlife conservation efforts?

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has announced its fifty-six finalists, selected from over 10,000 entries worldwide. The competition highlights lighthearted wildlife moments while supporting global conservation efforts.

Why it matters

The competition aims to share the bright side of the natural world while raising essential awareness for endangered species. It provides a unique lens for families to engage with global biodiversity.

Fifty-six participants have advanced to the finals, including 40 works in the individual category. The competition, which began in 2015, invites entries featuring subjects from buffaloes and foxes to praying mantises.

The players

Nikon

The primary sponsor of the awards, known for its extensive history of manufacturing high-quality photography and optical equipment.

Born Free Foundation

A collaborative partner for the awards that focuses on wild animal welfare and global conservation advocacy.

The details

Participants submit photos and videos capturing humorous wildlife interactions, which are evaluated by organizers for the final round. The foundation sponsoring the awards collaborates with the Born Free Foundation to advance its conservation mission. Winners receive rewards ranging from gear to a safari trip in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park.

Timeline

  1. The awards competition launched in 2015.

  2. Voting for the Popular Award began on October 2, 2026.

  3. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on December 8, 2026.

  4. An exhibition of all finalists will run from December 9 to 13, 2026.

  5. Voting for the Popular Award concludes on March 1, 2027.

The Home Front

This event reflects a growing trend in digital photography competitions that leverage humor to engage the public in conservation. It follows a decade of increasing institutional focus on wildlife protection through accessible, global participation platforms.

Families can participate in the awards by casting a vote for the Popular Award on the official competition website. Keep the voting deadline of March 1, 2027, on your calendar to ensure your voice is heard.

The takeaway

The competition serves as a reminder of the positive connection between humor and wildlife preservation. Interested participants can monitor updates on the competition platform and prepare for future entry cycles by capturing unique wildlife moments near home.

What happens next

The Grand Prize winner announcement is scheduled for December 8, 2026, followed by a public exhibition of the finalist works from December 9 to 13, 2026.

Further reading

You can explore more about regional biodiversity and conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.

More information

View the gallery of finalists and cast your vote at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards official site.

Live Poll

Do you believe that using humor is an effective way to support wildlife conservation efforts?