The winner of this year’s Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Award has just been announced and it will definitely make you smile.
You might remember that we shared some of the entertaining finalists earlier this year, but it was announced at Monday's award ceremony that Milko Marchetti’s ‘Stuck Squirrel’ scooped the top spot.
With more than 9000 entries, this year was the most hotly-contested awards in the event's 10-year history – and, according to the judges, there were only a few points between the top five entries.
However, Milko’s image of a red squirrel with its legs sticking out of the trunk was universally applauded by the panel.
“I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels, in many situations over the years, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position, because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide (which was an old woodpecker’s nest in a hollow tree),” Milko revealed.
“Whenever I show this image to people at various nature seminars I do at my local photography club, the audience always explode in raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!” And thankfully he did.
As the Overall Winner of this year’s competition, Milko has won a one-week safari with Alex Walker's Serian in the Masai Mara, as well as a handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania and a THINK TANK photography bag to help capture more captivating images in the future.
Upon receiving the news that he was the 2024 winner, Milko said that he “shouted 'wow, wow, wow' quite a few times whilst also jumping for joy.” He went on to explain: “Looking at the beautiful finalist’s photos, I would never have thought that I would be the chosen one. What can I say – I am so, so happy.”
Milko wasn’t the only winner on the night, with nine other individual category winners, who had captured everything from reptiles and insects, to fish and other aquatic animals.
While these winners were chosen by the judges, the public named Tapani Linnanmäki the Affinity Photo People’s Choice Award winner for their image titled ‘Shake, Ruffle, Rattle and Roll,’ of a white-tailed eagle ruffling its feathers.
A further 10 entries were recognised as Highly Commended Winners, and each one of them is guaranteed to lighten your mood.
If you fancy seeing any of the photos up close and in person, all of the finalist’s images will be on show at a free exhibition at Gallery@Oxo in London until December 16th. So, you’ve only got a few days left to head along.
Alternatively, the winner's and finalist's galleries are available to view on the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Award website.
Best wildlife cameras
Wildlife camera features:
- Zeiss imaging, so you can see wildlife in both day and night
- Automatically receive images straight to your phone
- Reliable motion detection
- Weatherproof for outdoor use
- Mounting straps and bracket
- Built-in 4G SIM (for remote image transfer)
Wildlife camera features:
- A 30-megapixel sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
- Automatic day and night monitoring
- Runs on AA batteries for long-lasting power outside
Wildlife camera features:
- 64MP photo/4K video resolution with sound
- 0.2s trigger speed and 5 continuous shooting
- HD colour screen
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)
- Loop recording and IP66 waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 24MP photo/H.264 1296P video resolution with sound
- 0.1s trigger speed
- 2.4” high-resolution colour screen
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)
- Waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 20MP photos/1080P video resolution
- 36pcs IR LEDs
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 40MP photo resolution
- Solar powered - dual power supply
- WiFi/bluetooth
- 120 degree detection angle
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof
- U3 32GB Micro SD Card
Wildlife camera features:
- Close focus at 35cm
- Ultra-high-definition
- Large field of view of 100 degrees
- Compact and lightweight
- Night vision
- Reliable app connectivity
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
