The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is a globally recognized photography competition that celebrates the lighter side of the natural world. Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the awards were created with a simple but powerful idea: to use humor as a way to connect people with wildlife and conservation.
While many traditional wildlife competitions focus on dramatic, majestic, or technically perfect images, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards take a different approach — highlighting the perfectly timed, awkward, and often hilarious moments that reveal animals in a more relatable and human way. From expressive faces to unexpected situations, the images remind us that wildlife can be just as unpredictable and entertaining as it is beautiful.
Since its launch, the competition has grown into an international success, attracting thousands of entries each year from photographers around the world — from beginners to seasoned professionals. Its wide appeal lies not only in the humor of the images, but also in the message behind them: that laughter can be a powerful gateway to awareness and care for the natural world.
At its core, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is about more than just funny pictures. It is a platform that encourages people to look closer, to appreciate wildlife in all its forms, and to understand the importance of protecting it. By combining joy with purpose, the awards have carved out a unique place in the photography world — proving that sometimes, the best way to make people care is simply to make them smile.