Finalists unveiled in Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021

Finalists vying for animal kingdom's funniest moments

Words & Producer: Louise Starkey Photo: Axel Böcker in partnership with

From a tightrope-walking monkey injuring its testicles to a snake appearing to laugh at its own jokes, these are some of the best finalist entries in the world’s funniest photo competition. Photos: Ken Jensen | Aditya Kshirsagar

Animals of all shapes, colours and sizes have been captured in their most outrageous moments by photographers in the running to win 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. Photos: Philipp Stahr | Roland Kranitz

Since the competition - shining a light on wildlife conservation - closed, 42 finalists have been selected from around the globe. Photos: Charlie Page | Andrew Mayes

Some of the best pictures include an unimpressed owl and overly dramatic kangaroo appearing to prepare for a part in Shakespeare. Photos: Anita Ross | Lea Scaddan

Other great submissions feature a bear playing hide-and-seek and a pigeon being blinded by a leaf. Photos: Pal Marchhart | John Speirs

There is also a spotted seal chuckling and a monkey expressing itself through dance. Photos: Martina Novotna | Sarosh Lodhi

Depending on the judges’ sense of humour, the winner could be more intimate - such as a monkey staring at its blue nether regions. Photo: Larry Petterborg

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, how about an overly assertive otter parent or a pelican shrugging off its worries? Photos: Chee Kee Teo | Dawn Wilson

A polar bear struggling to swim while friends are nearby is another great to see, as is an eagle failing to land on a branch. Photos: Cheryl Strahl | David Eppley

Other must-see finalist images include a monkey singing from the soul and a helpful penguin giving directions. Photos: Clemence Guinard | Carol Taylor

Photographer Mark Fitzpatrick and his hilarious photo of a sea turtle flipping the bird at Lady Elliot Island in Queensland won the Awards in 2020.

Wildlife lovers are invited to vote for their favourite image until October 12 at comedywildlifephoto.com. Overall and category winners will then be announced on October 22. Photo: Andy Parkinson

Photo: Chi Han Lin in partnership with