People often see their own reality reflected in animals and their behavior. Serious biologists don’t like it, it’s anthropomorphism, they often say with a wrinkled nose. But that tendency to see our own appearance or behavior reflected in nature or even in objects in our environment is deeply rooted in our brain. We can’t help but experience at a glance that, for example the foam on a cup of coffee looks at us with a smile. This phenomenon is scientifically called pareidolia.
It is mainly due to this psychological effect that the Comedy wildlife photographer of the year is such a success. We have to laugh at the gannet whose nest was blown into his face by the strong sea wind. The image is reminiscent of a victim of cake throwing, and in addition to gloating, it also evokes pity.
As a wildlife photographer in East Africa, founder Paul Joynson-Hicks sometimes laughed out loud at the animals in his photos: an eagle looking at him through its hind legs and the butt of a warthog. He realized that the humor of these photos was both entertaining and a way to raise awareness of the threats these animals face. In 2015, he started a photo competition with that idea, which has since grown into an annual global event. Thousands of entries are received every year.
The jury has nominated forty images for the 2025 competition. The winner will receive a week-long safari in Kenya. There are also prizes in subcategories. The award winners will be announced on December 9, 2025 at a special Awards Night at the OXO Gallery in central London.
“Hit the Dance Floor” (vossen, Netherlands)
Photo Paula Rustemeier
“The Choir” (African Lions, Kenya)
Photo Meline Ellwanger
“Monkey Circus” (baboons, Zimbabwe)
Photo Kalin Botev
“Flamingo” (flamingo, Aruba)
Photo Miles Astray
Also read
The funniest wildlife photos from around the world collected
“High Five” (gorilla, Rwanda)
Photo Mark Meth-cohn
“Pied Piper Penguins” (sheep and emperor penguins, Falkland Islands)
photo Ralph Robinson
“Smiley” (bluestriped fangblenny, Philippines)
Photo Jenny Stock
“Relaxing in the trees” (golden-cheeked gibbon, Vietnam)
photo Diana Rebman
“Landing gear down” (red-throated diver, Finland)
photo Erkko Badermann
“The wig” (Indian rhinoceros, Nepal)
Photo Yann Chauvette
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