The results of the highly anticipated Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards for 2025 have been officially declared, setting a new benchmark for the competition. This year's edition witnessed an unprecedented global response, shattering all previous records.
Record-Breaking Participation and Celebrated Winners
The 2025 awards attracted a staggering 10,000 entries from photographers in 109 different nations. This is the highest number of submissions in the competition's 11-year history, highlighting the worldwide fascination with wildlife photography that masterfully blends humour with a crucial message of conservation.
Overall Champion: A Gorilla's Joyful 'High Five'
The prestigious title of Overall Winner was clinched by Mark Meth Cohn for his photograph aptly named 'High Five'. Captured in the misty mountains of Rwanda, the image features a young, playful gorilla caught in a moment of pure exuberance, seemingly mid-dance move. Cohn dedicated four days to trekking through challenging terrain before finding the Amahoro gorilla family, where this charismatic male became the star.
Describing the scene, Mark Meth Cohn said the gorilla was "pirouetting, tumbling, and high kicking," and that watching the performance was "pure joy." The judges were unanimous in their praise, applauding the image's impeccable timing, the subject's expressive character, and its powerful ability to evoke a human-like connection while maintaining deep respect for the animal and its natural habitat.
Young Talents Shine Bright
The Junior category, reserved for photographers aged 16 and under, was won by Grayson Bell from the USA. His winning shot, 'Baptism of the Unwilling Convert', was taken in Maine and depicts two green frogs in a comical, almost ceremonial pose. Bell admitted he only noticed the hilarious scene later while reviewing his pictures at home.
"I showed it to my parents and they loved it too," Grayson shared. "We all thought it looked like one frog was trying to baptise the other!" The panel lauded the image for its spontaneous humour and strong storytelling, especially coming from such a young photographer.
In the Young Photographer category (for those 25 and under), the award went to Paula Rustemeier from the Netherlands. Her photograph, 'Hit the dance floor', charmingly captures two red foxes appearing to dance during play. Paula noted that watching foxes with their "quirky personalities" makes you giggle, a feeling the judges echoed, also commending the image's technical excellence.
Honorary Mentions and The Award's Lasting Impact
The competition also celebrated several honorary mentions that brought smiles:
- Christy Grinton's portrait of a squirrel with an unusually stylish, almost 'emo' hairstyle.
- Alison Tuck's shot of a bird whose face is completely covered by blowing grass blades.
- Warren Price's image offering a humorous 'hack' to silence a chatty companion.
Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, now in partnership with Nikon, was conceived to showcase the funnier side of nature. Its core mission is to promote wildlife conservation through positive and engaging storytelling. The awards support various environmental charities, using laughter as an effective tool to connect broad audiences with the urgent need to protect natural habitats and their inhabitants.
From a niche online contest, it has blossomed into a globally recognised event, drawing entries from professionals, amateurs, and young enthusiasts alike. With this year's record participation, the organisers reaffirm that comedy is a potent force for conservation, making the vital cause of wildlife protection accessible, relatable, and endlessly shareable across all age groups.
