Full Breakdown
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2025 Finalists Announced
10/26/2025, 12:08:48 PM
Overview of the Competition
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has unveiled its finalists for the 2025 competition, showcasing a collection of humorous wildlife photography that aims to entertain while promoting conservation. This year, the competition received nearly 10,000 submissions from 108 countries, featuring 40 standalone images, three portfolio entries, and 10 video entries. Notable finalists include a dancing gorilla, a choir of lions, and a surfing heron, all capturing the lighter side of nature.
Key Figures Behind the Awards
The awards were co-founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam. Their vision was to merge exceptional wildlife photography with humor to raise awareness about wildlife and habitat conservation. Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe, emphasized the importance of these images in celebrating nature's character and the urgency of conservation efforts.
Notable Finalists and Their Stories
Among the finalists, several images stand out for their creativity and humor:
- "I Just Can’t Wait to Be King" by Bret Saalwaechter captures a pride of lions in Tanzania, depicting cubs playfully chasing their mother.
- "Which Direction Is My Nest?" by Alison Tuck features a gannet hilariously covered in grass, struggling to regain its sense of direction.
- "Smile, You’re Being Photographed" by Valtteri Mulkahainen shows a brown bear cub in Finland with an unexpected grin, highlighting joyful interactions between wildlife and humans.
These images not only entertain but also invite viewers to appreciate the complexities of wildlife behavior.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Sullam remarked on the ongoing support from Nikon, stating that it has "supercharged the competition," allowing it to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about conservation. He expressed excitement about the upcoming awards ceremony, where winners will be announced on December 9, 2025, at the OXO Gallery in London.
Why It Matters
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards serve a dual purpose: they provide entertainment and promote the critical message of wildlife conservation. By combining humor with stunning photography, the competition aims to engage a global audience in discussions about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
Upcoming Events
The winners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards will be announced during a special ceremony on December 9, 2025. Following the awards, an exhibition showcasing the finalists will be held at the OXO Gallery from December 10 to December 14, allowing the public to view the remarkable entries in person.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These images combine wit and wonder to celebrate nature’s character, while emphasising the urgency of conservation.” — Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe
- “It’s a privilege to be part of this exciting journey, making us all laugh and we can’t wait to announce the winners in December.” — Tom Sullam, Co-founder of Comedy Wildlife Awards
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards continue to highlight the beauty and humor of wildlife, reminding us of the vital role these creatures play in our ecosystem.
