The natural world is often portrayed at its most majestic: soaring birds, prowling predators, and fierce wildlife perfectly adapted to survive in unforgiving conditions. But nature has a funny side too. Every so often, a photographer happens to be in the right place at exactly the right moment, capturing a fleeting glimpse of wild animals that is less majestic and much more amusing.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards just announced its list of finalists for this year’s competition. The images feature some of the most serious animals in rather unserious poses, perfectly curated for a good laugh.
The winners of the annual competition will be announced on December 8. Until then, we put together some of our favorite images that are sure to give you a chuckle.
The different one
Confidence is everything, and this young giraffe knows it.
Photographer Dirk Koster captured three giraffes standing side by side in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, while a single umbrella acacia perfectly lined up with the middle one’s head. “The giraffe seemed to be wearing the tree, like a green hairdo or a fancy hat,” Koster said. “Nothing was staged or arranged; it was a matter of being in the right spot at the right moment.”
Morning calisthenics
A female brown bear was caught trying to do her morning exercises around Lake Clark in Alaska. The photo gives fitness influencer locking in for her big comeback. Seriously, just look at that focus.
Feather coats are forever
This fashionable eagle was caught in a killer runway walk on watery sea ice on Finland’s western coast. Photographer Tapani Linnanmäki suspects this is the same white-tailed eagle that won the people’s choice award in 2024.
Sexy mantis
This tiny green mantis was seen lounging over a leaf in an area of Camanti, Cusco, Peru, as if whispering to the lens, “Oh, hey. I didn’t see you there.” Since half of the insect is concealed behind the leaf, its forelegs appear like a pair of human legs to make it look like the mantis is casually sunbathing.
Resting owl face
Owls don’t have an attitude problem—it’s just their face. Photographer Ka Chun Kacy spotted the mountain scops owl perched on a branch in Nanling National Forest Park in China, where it began to sing in front of a group of birders. Unfortunately, this adorable creature can’t help but look unimpressed.
A spadefish under pressure
Whatever you do, don’t look back! A giant, murky silhouette of a whale shark appears behind a spadefish in the waters of Dumaguete, Philippines, who clearly looks stressed.
Out of water
This little sunbird is enjoying a five-star spa treatment in a red banana blossom. The bird indulged in some tasty nectar before relaxing in the water-filled blossom, tilting its head all the way back to take it all in. Life’s good.
