These comedy wildlife photography finalists are a delight to behold

Sam Haysom

There's only one thing better than photos of animals, and that's funny photos of animals.

Just look at this famous image of a weasel riding a woodpecker if you don't believe us. Isn't it glorious?

Here to celebrate the wonderful world of expressive otters and derpy deer is the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, which has just announced its finalists for 2019.

You can see the full selection on their website, but we've picked out a few highlights below...


This chilled chimp.

This ten-month-old chimp is named Gombe, and he likes to relax.
This ten-month-old chimp is named Gombe, and he likes to relax.

Image: Thomas D. Mangelsen / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

This devious deer.

This bracken-covered spy was photographed in Richmond Park, UK.
This bracken-covered spy was photographed in Richmond Park, UK.

Image: mike rowe / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019


This hairy gatekeeper.

"Excuse me, sir, do you need help with directions?"
"Excuse me, sir, do you need help with directions?"

Image: willem kruger / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

These feisty fighters.

Apparently they both came away unscathed after several minutes of squaring up to one another.
Apparently they both came away unscathed after several minutes of squaring up to one another.

Image: Thomas D. Mangelsen / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

This cheerful chap.

Well howdy there!
Well howdy there!

Image: kevin sawford / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

These belligerent birds.

"DON'T YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME, GORDON."
"DON'T YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME, GORDON."

Image: vlado pirsa / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

And finally, these friendly neighbours.

"Come on in, won't ya? The water's mighty cool."
"Come on in, won't ya? The water's mighty cool."

Image: donna bourdon / comedy wildlife photography awards 2019

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is a competition that aims to raise conservation awareness. 

Winners will be announced Nov. 13.