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Autumn might be trying to leave its mark with all the wind and rain, but the photographers participating in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are keeping everyone cheerful and full of chuckles. The competition’s finalists for 2023 have finally been revealed, and this year’s batch is full of quality comedy and good vibes, as always. They’re perfect for chasing away the blues!

Scroll down to see these top-tier finalist photos and be sure to upvote the ones you loved the most. Meanwhile, read on for Bored Panda’s interview with the friendly team running the competition, who put comedy and conservation at the heart of everything that they do.

More info: ComedyWildlifePhoto.com | Facebook | Instagram | X

#1 “Living The Moment” By Kawing Chiu

Image credits: © Kawing Chiu / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#2 “Dispute” By Jacek Stankiewicz

Image credits: © Jacek Stankiewicz / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#3 “Air Guitar Roo” By Jason Moore

Image credits: © Jason Moore / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam founded the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards all the way back in 2015 in order to show the lighter side of wildlife photography while also promoting conservation. And in fact, comedy and conservation lie at the core of the competition.

This year’s shortlist includes 41 standalone photographs, 3 videos, and 3 Portfolio entries. They’ve been selected from a massive number of entries, sent in by amateur and professional photographers alike from all over the world.

#4 “The Happy Turtle” By Tzahi Finkelstein

Image credits: © Tzahi Finkelstein / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#5 “Now That’s A Selfie” By Jaroslaw Kolacz

Image credits: © Jaroslaw Kolacz / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#6 “Boing” By Lara Mathews

Image credits: © Lara Mathews / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Michelle Wood, a member of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards team, revealed to Bored Panda that a jaw-dropping number of people entered the contest this year.

She shared with us that “just under 2,000 entrants” took part in the contest in 2023. The team had the monumental task of choosing the crème de la crème from all the hilarious photos and videos.

#7 “That Wasn’t Here Yesterday” By Wendy Kaveney

Image credits: © Wendy Kaveney / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#8 “One For The Family Album” By Zoe Ashdown

Image credits: © Zoe Ashdown / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#9 “Otter Ballerinas” By Otter Kwek

Image credits: © Otter Kwek / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

The contest doesn’t take conservation lightly. Every year, the contest supports a sustainable conservation organization. This year, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards team is working together with the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK charity that supports conservation leaders working in their home countries across the Global South.

The charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, has channeled £20 million ($24.3 million or €23.1 million) to 200 conservationists in 80 countries.

#10 “Hang Loose” By Christian Hargasser

Image credits: © Christian Hargasser / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#11 “Monday Blahs” By John Blumenkamp

Image credits: © John Blumenkamp / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#12 “Angry Bird” By Michael Erwin

Image credits: © Michael Erwin / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Over the next few weeks, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards’ panel of judges will be working tirelessly to whittle down the finalists and make the shortlist, well, even shorter than it already is. The winners of the competition will be announced on November 23.

The overall top image will win a handmade trophy from the Art Garage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, alongside a stunning one-week safari with Alex Walker’s Serian in the Masai Mara, Kenya.

#13 “Mona Lisa’s Smile” By Vince Maidens

Image credits: © Vince Maidens / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#14 “Snowball” By Jacques Poulard

Image credits: © Jacques Poulard / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#15 “What Nice Teeth You Have” By Henry Keepin

Image credits: © Henry Keepin / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Meanwhile, voting is also open for the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Affinity Photo. So if you have a favorite photo, be sure to drop by the competition’s website and cast your vote. It’s a wonderful way to have your voice heard. The cherry on top is that you’ll enter a free prize draw and have the chance of winning £500.

#16 “Go To Your Room Little Brother” By Mark Schocken

Image credits: © Mark Schocken / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#17 “Picture Me Picture Me” By Dikla Gabriely

Image credits: © Dikla Gabriely / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#18 “The Rainforest Dandy” By Delphine Casimir

Image credits: © Delphine Casimir / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

According to the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards team, this year’s panel of judges includes: TV presenter Kate Humble; actor and comedian Hugh Dennis; world renowned wildlife photographers Daisy Gilardini and Will Burrard-Lucas; wildlife expert and co-founder of The Born Free Foundation Will Travers OBE; Ashley Hewson, the Managing Director of Serif, makers of Affinity Photo; Celina Dunlop, picture editor extraordinaire; underwater film and diving aficionado Luke Inman and Bella Lack, a super young passionate conservationist.

#19 “Just A Kiss” By Brigitte Alcalay Marcon

Image credits: © Brigitte Alcalay Marcon / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#20 “Everyone Can Fly” By Adrian Slazok

Image credits: © Adrian Slazok / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#21 “I Don’t Know” By Jakub Wozny

Image credits: © Jakub Wozny / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Wood, from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards team, told Bored Panda all about how future entrants can manage the pressure they might be feeling. After all, participating in any contest can be quite stressful. Especially when you start thinking about all the talented competition that you’ll be facing.

“Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enter, make a reminder of the deadline dates for yourself as submission can take time,” Wood urged future entrants.

#22 “Air Apparent” By Paul Goldstein

Image credits: © Paul Goldstein / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#23 “The Cabaret Bear” By Khurram Khan

Image credits: © Khurram Khan / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#24 “Doing The Tango” By Danny Sullivan

Image credits: © Danny Sullivan / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

“Get your submission ready and labeled up way before you want to submit,” she suggested.

“Always drop us an email if you get stuck or stressed, entry to the competition is always possible, so don’t be afraid of getting in touch. In fact, we rather like it! You will get through to a real person— and we will try and help you through the process,” Wood stressed the fact the team is very approachable and always happy to help.

#25 “Scream” By Sergey Savvi

Image credits: © Sergey Savvi / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#26 “Fox With A Cigar” By Dakota Vaccaro

Image credits: © Dakota Vaccaro / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

#27 “Fellowship” By Dario Podesta

Image credits: © Dario Podesta / Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023

Finally, she suggested that all entrants take the time to enjoy the images, even if they don’t make it through the selection process. You can always apply again next year! What’s important is enjoying the process of photography itself, not just winning.

Wood noted that there are many ways that fans of the competition can help local conservation efforts in their everyday life. “The main tip is to start. That’s it. Just get going and don’t put it off!” she urged everyone to be proactive, adding that their website has some fantastic suggestions on their conservation page. Whether you’ve decided to eat less meat and unplug your electronics or put plant boxes on your window sills, it’s vital to start taking small steps ASAP, instead of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time.

#28 “Directions Please No I Told You They Went That Way” By Jodi Frediani

#29 “Part Of Your World” By Danielle Goonan

#30 “Unexpected Plunge” By Vittorio Ricci

After you’ve enjoyed these photos to the fullest, feel free to share your thoughts about them in the comments. Meanwhile, for some more stunning and witty pics, check out Bored Panda’s earlier features about the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finalists in previous years: 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. These pics are bound to inspire you the next time you take your camera out in nature.

#31 “Ready Steady Go” By Brigitte Alcalay Marcon

#32 “Teddy Buddies” By Thomas Vijayan

#33 “Fake News” By Matti Rauvala

#34 “Look At Right Bro” By Pratick Mondal

#35 “Right Of Way” By Brandi Romano

#36 “Don’t Look Down” By Brian Matthews

#37 “Flossing Beaver” By Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven

#38 “Cheeky Baboon” By Benard Omwaka

#39 “Oh My Talk About Poking Your Nose Into Someone Else’s Business” By Bill Gozansky

#40 “Singing In The Rain” By Kate Stevenson

#41 “Walk Like An Egyptian Goose” By Allen Holmes

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