The best entries in the inaugural Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been named
The above image of a wild hamster, cheeks filled with food, expression
of quiet determination writ large across its furry brow, has been named
the funniest animal photo of the year at the inaugural Comedy Wildlife
Photography Awards.
The hamster, or rather Julian Rad, the Austrian who captured it, beat
hundreds of rivals to the top prize, earning himself a one-week holiday
in Tanzania and a Nikon D750 camera in the process.
Second and third place went to a pair of Britons: William Richardson,
for his photo of an impeccably camouflaged stag in Richmond Park, and
Oliver Dreike, for an image of a gorilla that swears it was just
scratching its nose. Honest.
Given that the award is in its first year, the number of entries - more
than 1,500 - was impressive, as has been its global reach, with those
entries coming from as far afield as Iraq, Macedonia, Uruguay, Belize
and Sri Lanka.
Images of animals looking foolish clearly hold a special place in everyone’s heart - regardless of nationality.
Among the judges were Hugh Dennis, the actor and comedian best known
for his role in BBC’s Outnumbered, and Kate Humble, the broadcaster and
regular contributer to Telegraph Travel, as well as several respected
wildlife photographers, such as Will Burrard Lucas and Tom Sullam.
“It was a pleasure to judge the inaugural Comedy Wildlife Awards,” said Hugh Dennis.
He added: “The number and quality of the entries was fantastic. The
finalists should be very proud of themselves, as should the animals they
photographed, simply for looking so funny. Sadly there is no way of
telling them.”
In addition to being extremely entertaining, the awards aim to raise
awareness of the work of The Born Free Foundation, the conservation and
animal rights charity.
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