The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards were co-founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam to create a competition that fused exceptional wildlife photography and the positive power of humour in a bid to help promote the conservation of wildlife and habitats that our precious planet relies on. Each year the competition supports a sustainable conservation organisation and this year Comedy Wildlife are delighted to be working with the Born Free Foundation
The Overall Winner, Category and Highly Commended Winners will be announced on Tuesday 8thDecember at an Awards Night in London, which will be followed by a glorious exhibition for one week (and one week only)from 9 -13 December showcasing all the 2026 Award Finalists at the Gallery@Oxo, thanks to the support of our awesome competition partners at Nikon
. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists During my expedition to Svalbard Archipelago in the Autumn of 2024, I visited small Moffen Island. There were a couple of groups of Walruses resting on the beach. They were very relaxed lying next to each other, presumably to conserve body heat in the freezing Arctic temperatures. These animals are incredibly social, frequently lounging in large, tightly packed herds.Autumn 2024, Svalbard (Moffen Island). While I was sitting on the beach, minding my own business and enjoying a majestic Arctic sunrise, the local mafia decided to roll up on me. Walruses are basically giant, blubbery cuddle-bugs who pile on top of each other for warmth and gossiping. But out of nowhere, a squad of eight of them swam right up to check me out, using their whiskers to scan me like human security. They spent 10 minutes giving me the ultimate Arctic inspection before swimming off. Managed to capture them popping up all at once—looking like absolute Sea Gangsters about to drop the hardest album of 2024. Unforgettable
A gang of Walruses on Moffen Island pop up for a look | Marek Jackowski
21. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists This squirrel had taken a bit too much in its mouth – but with a few firm bites, the greenery was made to fit. Taken with the Nikon Z6 II and AF-S Nikkor 500mm PF, 1/1000 sec., f8.0, Iso 4500
Udo Harms
22. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Finalists Elephant seal walking between King Penguin chicks. Welcome to Gold Harbour, South Georgia: nature’s most chaotic beach resort. It’s a breathtaking place with glaciers, mountains, and zero personal space. Here, King Penguins and Elephant Seals share the shore in a constant game of 'don't get crushed by the 4-ton blob.' Every time a huge seal moves, the penguins scatter like people avoiding a toddler on a scooter. Right on cue, this absolute unit of a male seal popped up, hit me with a breathtaking 10/10 smile, and sent the chick panic-squad running for their lives. Glad I snapped this—it's pure comedy
Marek Jackowski