An esteemed collection of wildlife experts, photographers and comedians recently assembled in London to answer a pressing question: which animal photo is the funniest?
Entrants of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were challenged to depict a humorous side in animals that need protecting. Faced with a daunting number of images, the judges eventually made a decision about which creatures made them giggle the most.
One of the panel’s most recognisable names, wildlife TV presenter Kate Humble, commented, ‘Not only did we laugh a lot, we were also all reminded of the wide and wonderful variety of creatures we are lucky enough to share our planet with.’
Check out the best photos from this year’s contest below. As judge and comedian Hugh Dennis put it, ‘The finalists should be very proud of themselves, as should the animals they photographed, simply for looking so funny. Sadly there is no way of telling them.’
Winner: Julian Rad
Harry ran three miles before he realised he wasn’t on his wheel anymore.
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Silver runner up: William Richardson
Hide and seek is a lot easier when you don’t have two massive antlers poking out of your head.
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Bronze runner up: Oli Dreike
He doesn’t give a flying banana what you think about his nose picking habit.
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Highly commended: Alison Buttigieg
That awkward moment when you get caught dancing by yourself and have to turn your sensual arm movements into a casual wave.
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Highly commended: Charlie Davidson
‘Don’t distract me when I’m landing. You know I’m bad at landing.’
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Highly commended: Graham McGeorge
The hotel room was considerably less spacious than advertised.
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Highly commended: Julie Hunt
Julie’s photograph definitely got the seal of approval.
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Highly commended: Marc Mol
‘Listen guys, if you’re not going to peck the algae off my teeth I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.’
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Highly commended: Megan Lorenz
When that annoying person in the club won’t stop drunkenly dancing by you.
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Highly commended: Tony Dilger
‘A camera? How rude. Doesn’t he know we’re having a private moment?’
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Highly commended: Julian Rad
Now that they’ve learned the art of kung-fu, red squirrels are finally ready to fight back against their grey cousins.
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Highly commended: Mohammed Alnaser
The young leopard’s first attempt at hunting didn’t quite go according to plan.
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Highly commended: Yuzuru Mazuda
‘The image is getting clearer… yes, I can see your future now. You will take the money in your pocket and spend it on nuts and seeds. Then you will return to me. This will bring you great fortune.’