The Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards attract hundreds of hilarious photos from right around the world

THE Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards are in full swing—with hundreds of hilarious images being sent in from all corners of the globe.

THE Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2016 are in full swing—with hundreds of hilarious photos being sent in from all corners of the globe.

Among the best entries this year are photos of a cheetah appearing to find something hilarious, a gorilla caught in an unfortunate position, and a baby elephant face-planting the ground.

The panel of judges is comprised of wildlife experts and household names and includes comedian Hugh Dennis, wildlife TV presenter Kate Humble, African landscape photographer Tom Sullam, and wildlife photographer and Comedy Wildlife Awards founder Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE.

A mountain gorilla is caught on camera picking its nose. Picture: Cedric Favero/Barcroft Images​/Getty​

“The essence of the competition is to raise awareness of the wildlife that we live with. Comedy is an essential part of our lives, and there are thousands of occasions when pets and wild animals alike behave in a funny manner,” judge, Tom Sullam said.

Working alongside international wildlife charity The Born Free Foundation, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards hopes to share with the public the true playfulness of the animal kingdom.

“One of the key aspects of our competition, apart from enjoying wildlife doing funny things, is to highlight the tragic state of many wildlife species around the world and to create awareness for conservation issues, which is why we have a wonderful partnership with the Born Free Foundation, Sullam added.

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Austria’s Julian Rad won the competition last year with his memorable shot of a chubby- cheeked hamster running towards the camera.

The deadline for entries is October 1st 2016 and the overall winner will receive a stunning photographic safari holiday consisting of seven nights in Kenya’s Masai Mara, courtesy of Alex Walker’s Serian, whose intimate safari camps are among the best in Africa.