Nature photography often captures the profound beauty of the world, but it can also be surprisingly lighthearted.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards highlight this playful side of nature, showing that animals have a sense of humour too! Here are some of the funniest wildlife photos from the awards that prove nature can be a real comedian.
The Rare Bear-Headed Falcon.
In the 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, Adam Parsons earned a spot as a finalist with his incredible shot of the elusive bear-headed falcon. While it might look like a bear casually hanging out with a bird, this image is anything but ordinary.
The bear-headed falcon, which roams the rivers and streams of Alaska and Canada, is known for its distinctive fuzzy ears and tiny, wet nose. Even the seagull in the background seems impressed by the falcon’s unique charm and majestic presence.
Close Your Eyes.
Picture this: It’s 1996, and you’re a six-year-old watching Titanic on HBO with your parents. You’re mesmerised by the grandeur of the ship and feeling for Rose as she faces disapproval from her family over her affection for the impoverished Jack.
Then comes that iconic scene where Jack sketches Rose in a way that leaves little to the imagination. As your mom notices the scene unfolding, she instinctively covers your eyes. But the image is already etched in your memory—you’ve seen it all.
Please Don’t Ever Do That Again!.
The look of shock on this seal’s face is pure astonishment. It’s as if he’s witnessed a magical feat and can’t believe his eyes—or maybe he’s just seen something truly gross. Either way, we get it. The intensity of his reaction suggests that whatever the other seal is up to must be pretty extraordinary.
Our best guess? Maybe this seal has figured out how to twist his head all the way around like an owl, or perhaps he’s picked up some tips from those headless penguins.
You Can’t Sit With Us!
Imagine if “Mean Girls” played out in the animal kingdom. This scene with the owls might be just that! Perched on a branch, these owls were minding their own business when Sandy showed up to join them.
The first two owls seem to tolerate Sandy’s presence but aren’t thrilled about it. Instead of confronting her, they resort to classic mean-girl tactics—slowly inching away until Sandy is left hanging, literally. How rude!
When You Just Can’t Even.
This little guy’s expression perfectly captures the feeling of exasperation. With a hand on his head and eyes closed in disbelief, he’s clearly had enough of the daily grind. After finally getting some alone time, he’s left to ponder the sheer absurdity of his peers.
For a solid five minutes, he shakes his head in dismay over the endless, mind-numbing nonsense he endures. He’s definitely in need of a vacation and is probably dreaming of a peaceful retreat to the quieter side of the prairie.
The ‘Jungle Couture’ Debut.
In a stunning shot by wildlife photographer James Mitson, nature’s most exclusive fashion show unfolds right before our eyes. The scene features an adorable elk parading down the “catwalk” (or open field) in a couture hat that seems inspired by a lion’s mane.
Though the designer remains unnamed, the hat’s eco-friendly materials suggest a blend of high fashion and environmental consciousness.
However, our fashionable friend appears to be stumbling blindly around, proving that looking fabulous isn’t always easy. But hey, isn’t it worth it for such a stylish statement?
The Shock Factor.
This photograph captures the raw shock we often feel in our daily lives—whether it’s discovering an unexpected nude on Snapchat, meeting a Tinder match who looks nothing like their photos, or enduring a Thanksgiving dinner with your grandpa’s unfiltered political rants.
In this image, a leopard’s stunned expression mirrors our own disbelief when faced with the unexpected. In a world that seems desensitised to shock, this leopard’s reaction is a perfect emblem of our collective surprise.
Holding On For Dear Bite.
Wildlife photographer Henrik Spranz has captured an endearing moment with a hungry squirrel determined to snag a bite of blueberries just out of reach. Known for their foraging prowess, squirrels are adept at climbing and scavenging for food.
If you’ve ever encountered a park squirrel, you know how they’ll grab food straight from your hand if given the chance. This little critter’s tiny feet, minute teeth, and fuzzy tail add to the charm of its earnest struggle for a tasty treat.
Food Coma.
Whether you’re lounging at home with Netflix and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or indulging in every appetiser at a fancy restaurant until you can barely move, we all know the feeling of overindulgence.
This squirrel, with its corn cob nearly as big as itself, perfectly encapsulates that moment of pure blissful excess. Despite the warnings against excessive portion sizes, this squirrel is in full-on “food coma” mode, content to cram as much corn into its cheeks as possible.
A Paw-Slapper.
You know that feeling when you nail a joke and you’re basking in the glory because you just know it was a good one? Well, the lioness on the right clearly gets it. She’s looking at the camera with a smug expression, tongue slightly poking out, as if saying, “Yep, I’m funny.”
Meanwhile, her friend is literally rolling on the floor, laughing uncontrollably. Whoever said female comedians weren’t funny has clearly never met this cheeky lioness and her giggling companion. Wildlife photographer Austin Thomas was lucky enough to capture this perfect moment of stand-up in the wild.
Nose Dive.
At first glance, Angela Bohlke’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Award-winning shot might look like a clumsy fox diving headfirst into the snow (we get it, Mondays are rough, especially when it’s freezing), but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
This fox isn’t tripping up—it’s on the hunt. Before the face-plant, the fox was intently listening for mice beneath the snow.
Then, in one swift motion, it leapt into the air and dove headfirst towards its prey. Foxes like this one feast on mice, voles, grasshoppers, and berries, but when winter hits and food becomes scarce, they have to dig deep—literally—for their meals.
When You Gotta Go.
We’ve all been there—sometimes, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go, no matter the circumstances. This giant lizard couldn’t care less that the bathroom sign said “humans only”—nature called, and it wasn’t waiting.
Just like the rest of us who’ve dashed into the wrong restroom in desperation, this lizard had no time to worry about formalities. We just feel for the poor soul who might wander in afterward. Judging by the lizard’s face, they might want to wait a solid 20 minutes before stepping in. Yikes!
The Squad .
You’re missing out if you don’t have your squad — those “ride-or-die” friends who stick with you through everything and make life so much better. They’re there to comfort you during awful breakups, crack you up with their hilarious jokes, and share the same dislikes as you.
But let’s face it, they can be a little judgey too. Right now, these birds are definitely sizing you up. The one in the middle? Straight-up rude! The others? Sending those subtle “you don’t belong here” vibes. Alright, Regina George, we get it. We didn’t follow the pink dress code on Wednesday. We’ll find another spot.
Braveheart.
Sometimes life demands a fight, and you’ve got to stand your ground, ready for battle. This tiny lizard looks like it’s channelling Braveheart, all geared up for the battle of a lifetime.
His weapon of choice? A slim stick that he can whip around like a pro, ready to stop any enemy in their tracks. Let’s just hope his foes aren’t bigger than, say, a chipmunk—otherwise, this courageous warrior might be in some serious trouble.
(By the way, this hilarious photo by Anup Deodhar won runner-up in the 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.)
Look What You Made Me Do .
“Ooh, look what you made me do. Look what you made me do. Look what you made me do,” this adorable fuzzy creature seems to be thinking as he hides his face in embarrassment. If anyone could relate to Taylor Swift’s iconic track more than your average teenager, it’s this guy.
Don’t be shy, buddy! Hold your head high and own who you are. Haven’t we all learned from the snake queen herself? You look a little proud of yourself anyway—we can see it in that mischievous eye of yours.
One of Those Days.
This water buffalo is clearly having one of those days. You know, the kind where everything goes wrong.
Sometimes life metaphorically dumps on you; other times, a bird literally poops on you (which some might argue is a cosmic message).
Either way, it’s clear that buffalo’s day is a total write-off. His best bet? Call it a day, sleep it off, and try again tomorrow.
Then again, some cultures believe getting pooped on by a bird is good luck. In that case, maybe this buffalo should try his luck against a lion… or maybe not.
Asleep on the Job.
Tired, overworked moms can all relate—sometimes, you just need a nap. If you’re lucky, your toddler won’t barge in at dawn, bouncing on the bed until you’re awake. If you’re really lucky, your “toddler” might be this sweet, well-behaved polar bear cub.
In this adorable moment, the little cub waits patiently for mama bear to wake up. Meanwhile, he’s casually waving at the camera, as if to say hello to the paparazzi.
Mama bear did teach him to avoid strangers, but does a wave really count? Either way, this cute moment is perfect—but that photographer better hope mama stays asleep. No one wants to face the wrath of a protective mother bear.
Did You Just Lick Me?
We can’t be entirely sure what’s going on between these two rams, captured in this hilarious entry from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards by Patricia Bauchman.
However, based on the intense side-eye from the second ram, it’s safe to assume he’s not too pleased. The conversation probably went something like this: Ram One: “Do you see that over there?”
Ram Two: “No.”
Ram One: “It’s right there! Look!”
Ram Two: “Where? I can’t see it.”
Ram One: “Over there!”
Ram Two: “Still not seeing it.”
Ram One: “Made you look!”
Ram Two: “Wait… did you just lick me?”
Double-Headed Rhino.
The mythical double-headed rhino—except, in this case, it’s the result of a perfectly timed photo! Rhinos are already rare to capture on camera, but this photo cleverly makes it look like one rhino has two heads.
The illusion is all about timing any other second or angle, and the shot wouldn’t have worked as well. Unfortunately, rhinos are critically endangered due to illegal poaching for their horns, which are sold for high prices on the black market.
Though conservation efforts are helping rebuild the population, some species, like the Western Black Rhino, have already gone extinct.
Dirty Dancing Fever.
No one’s putting this lemur in a corner! On this dance floor (or tundra), this little guy looks like he’s ready to bust a move. Maybe he’s watched one too many dance movies, but he’s channelling some serious John Travolta vibes from Saturday Night Fever.
All he needs is a white suit, flared pants, and platform shoes to complete the look. Sadly, finding a dance partner might be tough—most lemur species are critically endangered, living only in Madagascar and facing threats from poachers. But for now, this groovy lemur seems perfectly content dancing solo!
Life Imitates Art.
In his essay The Decay of Lying in 1889, Oscar Wilde famously declared, “life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” Looking at this photo, it’s hard to say which side of that quote rings truer, but one thing is clear: art and life are closely intertwined here.
In this amusing “photo-ception,” a wildlife photographer captures an image of a reindeer, while the reindeer seems to be capturing an image of wildlife itself.
This is no ordinary reindeer, though. When he’s not busy with Santa’s demanding one-day-a-year job, he dabbles in a little photography on the side. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see his work featured in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards next year!
A Romp Through The Woods.
Nothing beats a refreshing jog on a cool spring morning, and that’s exactly what’s happening in this playful snapshot by Alex Jevon, an entry in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The bear in the photo looks absolutely delighted as he bounds through the forest.
Where he’s headed is anyone’s guess—maybe he’s on his way to a farmers’ market or perhaps to Grandma’s house for Sunday dinner.
Either way, he’s clearly having the time of his life. All he needs now is a picnic basket. Hopefully, he doesn’t follow in Little Red Riding Hood’s footsteps and get too close to any wolves or shady characters in the woods!
A Figure in the Night.
Driving down a pitch-dark road, guided only by the beam of your headlights, is unnerving enough. But imagine the added surprise of seeing something — or someone — suddenly appear out of the shadows in front of you! Now, picture that “someone” being this wide-eyed little owl.
While owl eyes can seem a bit spooky if you stare at them for too long, this one also exudes an undeniable cuteness.
Photographer Katarina Benesova must have gotten a good chuckle out of the encounter when she snapped this shot, which she submitted to the 2017 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
This Guy’s Onto Something…
This squirrel seems to be preparing for a big moment – perhaps he’s rehearsing to become the next great composer, complete with perfect hand gestures and a determined stance. You can almost imagine him conducting a woodland orchestra!
On a more serious note, though, it’s anyone’s guess what he was up to when this photo was taken. Maybe he was inspecting the grass when a tantalising scent caught his attention, leading him to believe food had been dropped nearby. Now, all that’s left is for him to find it!
Laughing at the Slowpokes.
This cheetah seems to be having the best laugh of its life! As one of the fastest animals on Earth, it likely challenged its safari friends to a race, promising to go easy on them but with a sneaky plan in mind.
Of course, the cheetah zoomed off, leaving everyone else in the dust, and is now hiding in the bushes, chuckling at their sluggish pace.
Or perhaps it’s laughing at having just outrun a predator, knowing that its speed makes it nearly impossible to catch. Honestly, we’d laugh too if someone thought they could catch us!
A Spot on Your Face.
“Mom, stop!” is probably what the middle zebra is saying to the zebra on the right. This amusing scene brings to mind those moments when our mothers insisted on wiping dirt off our faces with a spit-covered finger.
Gross, right? The expression on the middle zebra’s face is so relatable to many of us who endured such moments. It just goes to show that even zebras care about how they look!
Given their striking black-and-white stripes, it wouldn’t be surprising if this zebra was getting a little grooming session from its mom. After all, even zebras have a reputation to maintain!
Got Your Beak!
How this owl managed to tuck its beak into its face is a mystery. Even more surprising is that its eyes are closed, considering owls are known for always keeping a watchful gaze. This image is quite funny because it makes the owl seem almost cartoonish and unreal.
If you’re someone who’s a bit afraid of owls, meeting this little guy might change your mind. This fluffy owl makes the whole species seem less intimidating and a lot more friendly. We’d love to see more owls like this one—just content with life and full of fluff!
The Headless Penguins.
If the world ever freezes over, we’re pretty sure it would be a scene straight out of a zombie apocalypse—complete with headless penguins! This picture of penguins bending their heads backward is both bizarre and hilarious.
While they look headless at first glance, we’re pretty sure their heads are just tucked away, and thankfully, they’re alive and well! Though it’s an odd sight, it’s far from terrifying.
The chances of a zombie apocalypse are slim, so we can relax and laugh at these awkwardly posing penguins.
The Nose-Picking Gorilla.
This gorilla proves that, well, everyone does it—picking their nose, that is! Caught in the act, this gorilla looks like it’s searching for that one elusive booger that’s been bothering it all day.
After a long day of socialising, the gorilla probably found a private spot to go all in on its nose-picking mission. We all have those moments, don’t we? Don’t worry, Mr. Gorilla, your little secret is safe with us!
The Ride of His Life.
This young tortoise is clearly having the time of his life as he rides on the back of his older companion. Just look at the excitement on his face! It’s probably the fastest he’s ever moved maybe a whopping three miles per hour!
Meanwhile, the elder tortoise seems completely unaware of his hitchhiker, simply going about his day in search of a snack. Although, now that he thinks about it, his shell does feel a bit heavier today. Too bad he can’t quite crane his neck far enough to catch the joyride happening right behind him.
Out of the Way!
This sea turtle means business, swimming with determination and no time for slowpokes in his lane. He’s on a crucial journey during the great migration, and nothing—not even a fish—can slow him down! The expression on his face shows he’s all about speed and urgency.
Just check out how he brushes aside the fish on the right without a second thought! Let’s hope this turtle reaches his destination on time, where he can finally relax. By the looks of it, he could definitely use a moment to chill.
An Itch That Can’t Be Scratched.
At first glance, you might think this elephant is exhausted and decided to rest her feet, but the truth is even funnier! Wildlife photographer Jeff Sink captured this moment back in 2017, showing an African elephant using a termite mound to scratch an itch on her backside!
Elephants, unfortunately, can’t scratch themselves as easily as humans can, so they’ve learned to get creative. Though, we’re not sure a termite mound is the best choice for a scratch. Wouldn’t that make things worse?
All of My New Best Friends.
This seal seems thrilled to be hanging out with his new best friends—the penguins. But the penguins? Well, they don’t appear to share the sentiment. Most of them are deliberately looking away, probably thinking something like, “Great, here comes that overly-friendly seal again.
Why does he have to be so cheerful all the time? Maybe if we look busy, he’ll leave.” Sadly, the seal hasn’t quite picked up on penguin social cues and is still waiting for all of them to accept his friend requests on Facebook.
Let Me Show You How It’s Done.
This fox, wandering through the wilderness, likely stumbled upon a photographer and thought, “Clearly, you need some guidance.” Perhaps in the fox’s mind, it’s saying, “You so-called ‘wildlife photographers’ just don’t get it.
You’re missing the essence of us wild creatures. Let me fix this for you.” Surprisingly, the photographer allowed the fox to get close to their expensive gear. Aren’t foxes notorious for being a bit sly? We wouldn’t be shocked if, after this candid moment, the fox bolted away with the camera.
This Cheetah Has Got Some Serious Moves.
One person saw this image and couldn’t help but remark, “He’s got moves like a Jaguar.” Maybe that’s what this cheetah is going for—trying to emulate the jaguar, often thought to be the better dancer (though we’re still waiting on scientists to confirm this).
Either way, this cheetah is making a case for being the best dancer in the feline world. Just look at how fluidly his body moves, even in a still photo! With a little luck, this cheetah might just end up on a future season of So You Think You Can Dance.
Sometimes, You Just Need To Relax.
This owl looks like it’s had one of the longest days ever. After finally returning home, it seems ready to lay down in full “spread eagle” mode, much like its distant bird relatives. “Ah, now that’s a good stretch,” it’s probably thinking as it fully relaxes.
The look in its eyes says it all—pure relaxation and the perfect stretch to wind down. So comfortable, in fact, it seems on the verge of drifting off to sleep. And you can bet this owl won’t be setting any alarms—he already knows he’ll be hitting the snooze button tomorrow.
Excuse Me, Can I Help You?
Well, this is awkward. It appears the photographer caught this bear in the middle of a private moment—a serene bath, rudely interrupted. Now, the bear seems both mildly embarrassed and annoyed, as if deciding whether to get mad or just wait for the human to leave.
The bear’s expression says it all: “Should I scare this person? Hmm, not today. I’ll just keep staring. That’ll do the trick.” Even in the middle of bath time, this bear knows how to maintain an intimidating presence.
What a Handful!.
This mama monkey might be second-guessing her life choices right about now, as her baby is proving to be quite the handful! Of course, we’re just teasing—no doubt she adores her little one beyond words. But on this particular day, it seems like she’s having a tough time.
All she’s trying to do is cross the street, but her playful baby has other ideas dashing off at the first sign of fun. She’s just trying to reach the trees on the other side, but her adventurous youngster is making it a lot harder than it needs to be. Hopefully, this little one will thank his mom for keeping him safe!
The Philosophical Squirrel.
We can only imagine the deep thoughts swirling around in this squirrel’s head: “What is the meaning of life? Look at all my fellow squirrels, rushing around the park like they’re being watched… racing to collect nuts as if there won’t be any left tomorrow.
But what’s the point? Isn’t there more to existence than gathering nuts I’ll never finish?” Hopefully, this little philosopher found a sense of purpose and the strength to keep going in his own version of the great squirrel struggle. Stay strong, little guy!
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