Kangaroo playing air guitar wins this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards. In a celebration of the whimsical side of wildlife, the prestigious Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards, headquartered in the UK, has crowned its 2023 champion: a kangaroo caught in the act of striking an air guitar pose.
The winning photograph, titled “Air-Guitar-Roo,” was skillfully captured by photographer Jason Moore in the early morning light of a wildflower field in the suburbs of Perth, Australia.
This year’s competition, drawing entries from 85 countries and sifting through over 1,800 images, has not only unearthed the most amusing and rib-tickling wildlife moments but has also underscored the importance of wildlife conservation.
The esteemed judging panel meticulously evaluated the submissions, ultimately awarding Moore a handmade trophy, a photography bag, and an enviable one-week safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara as the top prize.
The awards ceremony featured six category winners, including the recipient of the Junior Award, Jacek Stankiewicz, who captured the feisty antics of greenfinches in a photograph titled “Dispute.”
The Underwater category champion, Otter Kwek from Singapore, portrayed an otter with a striking resemblance to a ballerina.
In addition to the winners, ten more entries earned the distinction of “Highly Commended,” showcasing moments such as a joyous turtle befriending a dragonfly, a stylish Ubud monkey flaunting its tail as a faux moustache, and an animated Joey executing “jazz hands” midair.
Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards are not just about laughter; they also champion wildlife conservation.
This year’s competition lends its support to the UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature, which funds conservationists worldwide.
Looking ahead, an exciting development awaits wildlife enthusiasts. In October 2024, Tanzania will host the inaugural Comedy Wildlife Guided African Safari.
Led by wildlife expert Kate Humble and the awards’ co-founders Hicks and Sullam, this eight-night expedition, priced at £11,425 (approximately $13,900) per person for double occupancy, promises jaw-dropping moments in the heart of nature.
The success and growth of the awards underscore the universal appeal of humor and the profound impact it can have in fostering awareness about the need for wildlife conservation.
As Kangaroo playing air guitar wins this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards, the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards stand as a beacon of joy, reminding us of the intrinsic value of protecting and preserving the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom.
