PICTURES: Hilarious wildlife moments make the cut for the 2026 Comedy Wildlife Awards
From cheeky elephants to clumsy monkeys and birds with attitude, the shortlisted photographs capture moments of surprising behaviour that make wildlife so entertaining to observe.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has unveiled its 2026 shortlist, highlighting the whimsical and unexpected nature of wildlife through photography and videos. This year, the competition received over 10,000 submissions from 112 countries, featuring moments ranging from playful behavior to unusual encounters between animals. Established in 2015, the awards aim to promote a deeper appreciation for wildlife and raise awareness about conservation efforts.
The grand prize winners for overall and specific categories will be revealed in London on December 8, 2026.
One of the standout photographs comes from an Indian photographer named Shailza Singhal. She captured a playful optical illusion in Kenya's Amboseli National Park, showcasing an elephant seemingly nudging a distant safari vehicle as it traverses the lakebed. The perfectly timed positioning of the elephant, vehicle, and expansive landscape creates a striking visual effect, suggesting the elephant is enforcing its own traffic rules in this lively scene.
Another compelling image was taken by Polish photographer Robert Gondek. He photographed a Senegal chameleon across sandy terrain in Togo, West Africa, with its front feet raised as if the surface was too hot to tread. The cautious demeanor and serious expression of the tiny reptile lend it the appearance of a daring action hero maneuvering through a hazardous landscape.
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