The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards have announced their finalists. Organisers unveiled 40 individual finalists on October 1. There are also nine video finalists, four portfolio finalists and three junior finalists.

The competition received more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries. It is the highest number in its history. The contest is now in its 11th year.

It was founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam. The finalists include a handstanding leopard and a flirtatious praying mantis. A polar bear appears to chat with a seagull. Two brown bears play-fight in Alaska. A caiman sports an Elvis-style hairstyle.

“What began as a small effort to raise awareness of wildlife conservation has grown into something far bigger,” said co-founder Tom Sullam.

The awards use humour to build empathy for wildlife. This year’s charity partner is the Born Free Foundation. Winners will be announced on December 8 in London. The public can vote for the People’s Choice award until March 1.