Finalists unveiled for 2024 comedy wildlife photography awards

Tengrinews.kz - The finalists of the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have been revealed, showcasing heartwarming and humorous shots of wildlife, according to Business Insider.
The annual Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards feature some of the most amusing pictures taken of wildlife, capturing bears, lions, and penguins in comical poses.
This year, a panel of judges narrowed down 9,000 submissions from nearly 100 countries to 40 finalists. The categories include mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic animals, and a "highly commended" section exhibiting photographers' skills and creativity.
Take a look at some of the finalists' pictures below, and don’t miss the overall winner revealed at the end!
"Holding On for a Ride" by Alexander Fine© Alexander Fine/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"England Cricket's Latest Secret Weapon" by Andy Rouse© Andy Rouse/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Saying My Prayers" by Christine Haines© Christine Haines/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Monday Again" by Christopher Arnold© Christopher Arnold/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards"Smiley Elephant Seal" by Gabriel Rojo© Gabriel Rojo/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Song of the Zeisel" by Kath Aggiss© Kath Aggiss/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Nagging Is a Universal Concept" by Scott Frier© Scott Frier/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
From the "highly commended" category:
"The Contemplative Chimpanzee" by Arvind Mohandas© Arvind Mohandas/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Mafia Boss" by Takashi Kubo© Takashi Kubo/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
"Alright Mate Back Off — This is My Bird" by Andy Rouse© Andy Rouse/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Drum roll, please... for the overall winner:
"Stuck Squirrel" by Milko Marchetti© Milko Marchetti/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Milko Marchetti's photo won first place in the "Mammals" category and the contest's grand prize.

"I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels in many situations over the years in Italy, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide. Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explodes with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!" he says.

Earlier, National Geographic presented its "Pictures of the Year" selection, featuring the most exciting photographs from around the world.