Can you imagine that a funny photo of an animal could help protect the environment? That’s what the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards do. This international contest harnesses humor to inspire people to care for nature.
It all began in 2015 in a small office near Mount Meru in Tanzania. Conservationist and photographer Paul Joynson-Hicks had the idea of highlighting the funny side of animals to engage people’s attention and trigger empathy by showing how similar humans and animals can be. He brought fellow photographer Tom Sullam on board, followed by Michelle Wood a couple of years later, helping to turn the competition into a global event.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards aren’t just about making people laugh. Behind every humorous image is an important conservation message. The selected photos help raise awareness about the threats faced by wildlife, like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, while also reminding viewers how amazing and valuable nature is.
“We want people to enjoy nature and recognize its value,” say the organizers. And it seems to work: every year, the conservation message reaches further, and the competition becomes more popular.
Each year, novice and professional photographers can submit up to 10 photos in different categories. Participation is free, making it even more accessible to young creatives interested in photography and nature.
The top prize of 2024 went to Italian photographer Milko Marchetti for his hilarious photograph, Stuck Squirrel, capturing a red squirrel in a comical and unusual pose as it squeezes into a tree trunk.
For those who love photography and care about protecting nature, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards provide a unique platform to blend creativity with a meaningful conservation message.