In a light-hearted celebration of the wild side of nature, the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, featuring animals in their most amusing and unrestrained moments, has finally concluded.
The winners and finalists showcase a variety of creatures at their wildest and funniest, offering a refreshing break from the often somber tones of conventional wildlife photography.
At the forefront of the competition is a kangaroo, seemingly caught in the act of rocking out on an air guitar, securing the top prize. The whimsical collection of photographs, curated by the panel of judges, primarily highlights the endearing antics of various animals.
The creators, Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, aspire to engage more people in conservation efforts aimed at preserving the well-being and diversity of Earth's wildlife.
"Through the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, we aim to widen understanding and engagement of a sustainable world - and wildlife conservation specifically - for the preservation of biodiversity and the health and enrichment of everyone on Earth," the organization said in a statement.
Category Winners of the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photo Competition
Alex Walker's Serian Creatures of the Land Award:
Winner: Jason Moore (Australian)
Photograph: Air Guitar Roo
Description: A Western Grey Kangaroo was spotted in an open field with vibrant yellow flowers. The kangaroo struck a humorous pose, resembling someone practicing strumming on an air guitar.
"I was driving past a mob of Western Grey Kangaroos feeding in an open field that was filled with attractive yellow flowers. I had my camera with me, so I stopped to grab a few photos. I suddenly noticed this individual adopt a humorous pose - to me it looks like he's practising strumming on his Air Guitar," Jason Moore said in a statement.
Spectrum Photo Creatures in the Air Award:
Winner: Vittorio Ricci (Italian)
Photograph: Unexpected Plunge
Description: The photograph captures a planned fishing moment's unexpected and somewhat comical end.
Creatures Under the Sea Award:
Winner: Otter Kwek (Singaporean)
Photograph: Otter Ballerina
Description: An otter is captured in a graceful ballerina pose, leaping and attempting to grasp overhanging leaves. The photograph resembles an otter ballet performance with a touch of humor.
Affinity Photo 2 People's Choice Award:
Winner: Jacek Stankiewicz (Polish)
Photograph: Dispute
Description: The photograph depicts a scene in the Bialowieza Forest where a young greenfinch appears to be in dispute with its parents, adding a humorous touch to the interactions.
Junior Award:
Winner: Jacek Stankiewicz (Polish)
Photograph: Dispute
Description: Similar to the People's Choice Award-winning photograph, this image captures a scene of birds in the Bialowieza Forest and humorously interprets the birds' interactions.
Humorous Animals
With its humorous approach to showcasing the natural world, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards aims to evoke empathy and demonstrate the similarities between humans and animals. The competition encourages a greater appreciation for nature and its conservation by providing moments of joy and amusement.
As the competition continues to grow, reaching a global audience and garnering media coverage, it reinforces its commitment to its mission of education and enlightenment. While fundraising is not the primary goal, the awards support a small grassroots conservation organization yearly.
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