The year's funniest wildlife pics: Comedy Wildlife Photography Award winners announced
Describing itself as the funniest and most popular photography competition in the world, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has announced its winners for 2021, with photographer Ken Jensen, a keen amateur photographer from Blackburn, UK, awarded the overall title for his image ‘Ouch!’
Up against 7,000 entries from across the globe, Ken’s image of a Golden Silk Monkey, looking a little more than uncomfortable, just pipped the others to take the top title.
The winning image was captured on the bridge that runs over the river Xun in the Lonsheng Gorge, Yunnan, in China during a family holiday in 2016. The monkeys roam freely in the forest area, playing on the bridge in family groups and are very inquisitive of humans and not at all shy. This particular male monkey was actually showing a sign of aggression as he sat on one of the supporting wires, but as Ken’s fabulous shot shows - timing is everything.
As 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Ken wins a once in a lifetime safari in the Masai Mara, a unique handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania, and other prizes.
Co-founded in 2015 by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards focuses on the lighter side of wildlife photography and helps promote wildlife conservation through humour.
This year, the competition is supporting Save Wild Orangutans by donating 10% of its total net revenue to the charity. The initiative safeguards wild orangutans in and around Gunung Palung National Park, Borneo.
The Affinity Photo People’s Choice Award, voted for by the public went to John Speirs for his charming shot taken in Scotland of a pigeon with a leaf on its face entitled ‘I Guess Summer’s Over!’
The Animals of the Land Category Award was won by Arthur Trevino with ‘Ninja Prairie Dog’ for his stunning photo of a majestic bald eagle seemingly being startled and deterred by a brave little prairie dog. Arthur has confirmed the dog managed to flee to fight another day.
Other category winners included Chee Kee Teo’s shot ‘Time for School’ of a smooth coated young otter and his mother that took the Creatures of the Water Award. Chee has captured a very bemused expression (familiar to all parents worldwide) as mum encourages the youngster to get into the water.
Vicki Jauron, a regular entrant to the competition was awarded the Portfolio Award for ‘The Joys of a Mud Bath’ a series of 4 wonderful images depicting a playful young elephant having fun in the mud in Matusadona Park, Zimbabwe.
In addition to the Category Winners, there were 10 entries that were recognised as Highly Commended Winners, with a selection of their images below.
