16 Funny Animal Photos From Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Think one of these is the funniest wildlife photo of the year? Vote now to decide the winner of the People's Choice Award.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has announced a new feature in its annual contest: The STERNA People's Choice Award for wildlife photography lovers to cast their vote for the most humorous of 43 finalists. The competition, founded in 2015, uses laughter as a powerful tool for conservation awareness, showcasing animals in unexpectedly relatable moments to make wildlife more accessible to global audiences.

Why it matters

Humor replaces gloom in conversations about conservation, building empathy and encouraging people to cherish wildlife. These moments remind us that protecting our planet is not just urgent but deeply personal. By celebrating joy in nature, the awards often motivate change more effectively than fear-based messaging.

The details

The Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards attracts tens of thousands of funny wildlife photos capturing genuine animal antics in the wild each year. This year's competition features 43 finalists, including images of a smiling dragonfly, a rhino with a new 'wig', and a squirrel with a bad hair day. Voting is free and open worldwide, and one lucky voter who leaves their details will be randomly selected to win a £500 cash prize.

  • Voting closes on March 1 at 7pm EST (midnight GMT).

The players

Paul Joynson-Hicks

Co-founder of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Tom Sullam

Co-founder of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

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What they’re saying

“Humor replaces gloom in conversations about conservation, building empathy and encouraging people to cherish wildlife. These moments remind us that protecting our planet is not just urgent but deeply personal.”

— Tom Sullam (TED Talk)

The takeaway

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards proves that celebrating joy in nature can often motivate conservation action more effectively than fear-based messaging. By showcasing animals in unexpectedly relatable moments, the competition makes wildlife more accessible and sparks empathy in global audiences.