Two bear cubs clinging to their mother. A puffin subtly excusing itself. A mantis throwing a ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. The finalists for the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards are as relatable as they are delightful. And while we try to avoid anthropomorphizing animals, it’s hard to see two seals seemingly sharing a laugh on the beach and not say “me.”

Credit: © Marti Phillips / Nikon Comedy Wildlife Marti Phillips
“These images capture not only the humour and charm of wildlife, but also highlight the importance of conservation in a way that resonates with people of all ages and from all different walks of life,” Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe Senior General Manager Marketing, said in a statement.
The overall winner and category winners will be announced on December 10. The images will then be on display for a limited, week-long run at the Gallery@Oxo in London.
(To see images in their full, silly glory, click to expand.)

Credit: © ANDY ROUSE / Nikon Comedy Wildlife Andy Rouse

Credit: © Jörn Clausen / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Jose Miguel Gallego Molina / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Alexander Fine / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Damyan Petkov / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Arvind Mohandas / Nikon Comedy Wildlife arvind mohandas

Credit: © MILKO MARCHETTI / Nikon Comedy Wildlife “milko marchetti www.milkomarchet”

Credit: © Tapani Linnanmäki / Nikon Comedy Wildlife Tapani Linnanmaki

Credit: © Wim Bellemans / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Artur Stankiewicz / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Christopher Arnold / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Michela Bordoli / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Eberhard Ehmke / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Gabriel Rojo / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Tam Gatton / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Randy Herman / Nikon Comedy Wildlife Randy Herman

Credit: © Ingo Hamann / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Leslie McLeod / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Ralph Robinson / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Sanjay Patil / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Charles Janson / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Credit: © Takashi Kubo / Nikon Comedy Wildlife