Silly Bears and Odd Birds Among the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards Finalists

From the photogenic owl to the guitar kangaroo, the animals are full of surprises.

The finalists in this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam — all have their own entertaining talents. The annual photography competition’s shortlist, announced this week, includes some of the silliest creatures caught on camera, with 41 finalists chosen from thousands of entries for the 2023 competition.

The 2023 People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Affinity Photo, gives photographers in the running the chance to take home £500 (approx. US$600) and even helps give back by supporting UK conservation charity the Whitley Fund for Nature.

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This year TV presenter Kate Humble and comedian Hugh Dennis will be judging alongside photographers Daisy Gilardini, Will Bullard-Lucas and others. The overall winner will be announced on November 23rd. A one-week safari trip to Kenya is among the prizes for the best photographer.

Last year’s winner was Jennifer Hadley with her photo “Not So Cat-Like Reflexes”, which showed a big cat dealing with a big problem!

“Through the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, we aim to expand understanding and engagement of a sustainable world – and wildlife conservation in particular – for the preservation of biodiversity and the health and enrichment of all on Earth,” reads a statement on the award’s website.

2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards Finalists Announced — See Photos!

Check out a selection of the finalists’ photos below and check out the photography awards website to see all of this year’s finalists.

Sergey Savvi with “Scream”