The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards remind us that laughter—especially when inspired by the quirky antics of animals—has the power to brighten our days and inspire us to care for the creatures we share this planet with.
Global (03 October 2024) – There’s something about a good laugh that brightens even the gloomiest day. Whether it’s a goofy animal face or a candid, comical moment captured in the wild, the joy of laughter reminds us of the happiness that surrounds us—even in the animal kingdom.
In between life’s challenges, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards offer a delightful reminder that humour transcends barriers, connecting us to nature in unexpected ways.
Founded in 2015 by Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are all about bringing smiles to faces while raising awareness for wildlife conservation. It all began when Paul, working as a wildlife photographer in East Africa, stumbled across some particularly hilarious shots in his portfolio—like an eagle peeking at him through its legs and a cheeky warthog flaunting its bottom. These images sparked not only laughter but also an epiphany: humour is a powerful way to engage people with the natural world and the very real threats facing these animals.
And so, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were born, transforming what started as a humorous moment into a global movement for wildlife conservation.
Since then, the competition has flourished, inviting submissions from both novice and expert photographers worldwide, all competing to capture those side-splitting moments of animal brilliance. The concept is simple yet profound—funny photos of animals cut through the noise and tug at our hearts, encouraging empathy and connection without the need for words.
Each year, the competition sees a delightful influx of images from across the globe, and South African photographers and wildlife consistently shine. The 2024 edition is no different, with some of the year’s most hilarious and heartwarming entries featuring South Africa’s iconic wildlife in all its glory. From a lioness “kakking out” her husband to a hippo with a “wig” and even a cheetah playing “hide and go seek”, these photographers capture not just the humour of the moment but also the essence of the animals themselves.
You can see all the finalists here.
What makes these photos so effective is their universal appeal. No language barriers. No heavy message to unpack. Just pure, unfiltered joy that brings people together.
As Paul Joynson-Hicks puts it, “To really understand animals and the issues that affect them, you need to empathize with them as fellow inhabitants of the same planet.”
And these photos do just that. By showcasing the lighter side of wildlife, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards invite us to laugh while also gently encouraging us to care for these creatures and their environments.
But it’s not all fun and games. Behind the laughs is a mission to educate and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
As co-founder Tom Sullam explains, “Through the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, we aim to widen understanding and engagement of a sustainable world—and wildlife conservation specifically—for the preservation of biodiversity and the health and enrichment of everyone on Earth.”
It’s a bold mission, but one that’s making a difference, year by year, smile by smile.
And so, as the 2024 competition begins to wrap up, we can only smile at the thought of the next batch of hilarious, lovable, and downright silly animal antics that will soon grace our screens. Because if there’s one thing the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have proven, it’s that laughter is truly contagious—and when it’s sparked by nature, it can change the world.
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