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From a racoon whispering a very important secret to its mum, to three polar bears enjoying a judo bout, the most hilarious wildlife pictures of the year have been revealed.
The prizewinners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2024 will be announced on December 10, but until then you can marvel at the once-in-a-lifetime shots captured by amateur and professional photographers around the world.
There are no rules about what kind of equipment is required - pics from camera phones are allowed - the only prerequisite is that they make people giggle.
A number of awards will presented at the yet-to-be-announced ceremony, for pictures featuring mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and other aquatic species, and insects.
There’s also a portfolio prize for the best four pictures taken by a single photographer, a junior category (under 16s) and a young photographer award (for under 25s).
And at the end of it all the Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year will receive a trophy and a one week safari for two people in Kenya.
Here are your finalists. Which one make you laugh the most?
13. 'Whiskered tern crash on landing' by Damyan Petkov (Bulgaria)
Whiskered tern head hit the rock when try to land. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Damyan Petkov
14. 'Frog in in a baloon' by Eberhard Ehmke (Germany)
During a photo shoot at the pond I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble. This resembles a tree bell. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Eberhard Ehmke
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15. 'The Pavarotti of owls' by (United States)
This area has always been a nesting place for burrowing owls, so I visit frequently. When I saw this image on the computer it just looked like this little owl was singing his heart out. | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Fred Amico
16. 'Smiling Elephant Seal' by Gabriel Rojo (Argentina)
These multi-ton giants fight to keep their harem of females. In the instant of the photo, the animal seems to be smiling... but the reality of the situation is that its expression of astonishment and smile is at the moment of fleeing quickly, because the dominant male was on his way to a bloody fight. It is better to preserve physical integrity...I better go... | The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024/Gabriel Rojo