The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are back! The world's funniest and most popular photography competition recently announced its 2022 winners, and they sure are a hoot!
American wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley was named the overall winner for her cute shot of a lion cub losing its grip on a tree trunk. Other hilarious winning images include a penguin snubbing its friend at the beach, a hawk showing off his soccer moves, and a salmon seemingly punching a bear in the face.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards was founded in 2015 by Paul Joynson Hicks and Tom Sullam, both professional photographers and ardent nature conservationists. Each year, the competition tries to show the funny side of the wild through its award-winning images while trying to highlight the important message of wildlife conservation.
This year’s winning photographs were selected from more than 5,000 entries from 85 countries around the world. Scroll down and enjoy the funniest wildlife photos of 2022!
1. “Not so cat-like reflexes” by Jennifer Hadley (United States). Overall Winner and Alex Walker's Serian Creatures of the Land Award.
Location: Serengeti Tanzania
This 3-month-old lion cub wanted to descend from a tree but ended up losing its grip. Thankfully, he landed safely.
2. “Say cheeeese” by Arthur Telle Thiemann (Spain). Winner, Creatures Under the Water Award.
Location: Faial, Azores
A couple of triggerfish looking into the camera at the Azores in Portugal.
3. “Misleading African Viewpoints 2” by Jean-Jacques Alcalay (France). Spectrum Photo Creatures of the Air Award.
Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa
This hippo was captured yawning next to a heron standing on the back of another hippo. So, no, he's not trying to eat her.
4. “Talk To The Fin!” by Jennifer Hadley (United States). Affinity Photo 2 People's Choice Award.
Location: Falkland Islands
Clearly, this gentoo penguin isn't too impressed with his friend.
5. “I CU boy!” by Arshdeep Singh (India). Winner, Junior Award.
Location: Bikaner, India
This spotted owlet has found a safe home for himself.
6. “Kick-off” by Jia Chen (Canada). Winner, Amazing Internet Portfolio Award.
Location: Ontario, Canada
This juvenile cooper's hawk kicks would put many esteemed footballers to shame.
7. “Pegasus, the flying horse” by Jagdeep Rajput (India). Highly Commended.
Location: Keoladeo National Park, India
This is actually an Indian Saras Crane attacking a Bluebull from behind. The Saras Crane, which is the tallest flying bird in the world, was miffed that the bull came near its nest.
8. Monkey wellness center” by Federica Vinci Fasano (Italy). Highly Commended.
Location: Cambodia, Baphuon Temple
A wild monkey takes care of his friend while he relaxes.
9. “Jumping Jack” by Alex Pansier (Netherlands). Highly Commended.
Location: The Netherlands, Maashorst
A red squirrel jumps during a rainstorm.
10. “Hello everyone” by Miroslav Srb. (Czech Republic). Highly Commended.
Location: Florida, USA
This raccoon on a Florida beach was thankful when the photographer fed him shrimps.
11. “I'm gonna strangle you!” by Emmanuel Do Linh San (South Africa). Highly Commended.
Location: Kalahari Trails Game Reserve, South Africa
These meerkats in the Kalahari Trails Game Reserve were in quite a playful mood.
12. “Fight Back” by John Chaney (USA). Highly Commended.
Location: Alaska
A salmon decided to punch this bear in the face rather than be his lunch.
13. “It's all kicking off!” by Michael Eastwell (UK)
Location: Cape Hillsborough, Queensland, Australia
Two wallabies play on the beach as the sun bursts through the clouds behind them.
14. “Keep Calm and keep your head” by Martin Grace (UK). Highly Commended.
Location: Volunteer Point, East Falkland
This King Penguin is wondering where his mate’s head went!
15. “Excuse Me! Pardon Me!” by Ryan Sims (USA). Highly Commended.
Location: Juanita Bay Park, Lake Washington, Kirkland, WA. USA
A duckling waddles across a turtle-covered log at the Juanita wetlands. The poor thing fell off after a few turtle crossings.
16. “Tight Fit!” by Mark Schocken (USA). Highly Commended.
Location: Largo, Florida, USA
“Mommy, what are you looking at?! Can I see it too?”
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