The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards released its 2026 finalists, a 40-image shortlist of humorous wildlife photos drawn from a record field of more than 10,000 entries from photographers in 112 countries. Finalists include Tanner Mansell’s “Spicy Orangutan” shot in Borneo and Lee Frost’s British image of an azure damselfly appearing to wave through a nibbled leaf; other shortlisted scenes noted in coverage show a caiman wearing a wig, a leopard doing a handstand, and two brown bears that look like they are laughing. Awards co-founder Tom Sullam said the contest uses humour to build empathy for wildlife and drive behavioural change. Nikon will announce the competition winners on December 8. The contest website hosts the full gallery of 40 finalists plus portfolios, videos, and youth submissions, and visitors can cast a vote for the Sterna People’s Choice Award.
