These are the hilarious animal pictures battling it out to be crowned Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards winners this year.
After receiving more than 2,200 entries, the judges have whittled the photographs down to a shortlist of just 40 who are gunning for gongs in seven categories.
From lions appearing to be uncontrollably laughing to seemingly headless penguins – this superb collection of photographs will have you in stitches.
Laughter is not the only thing this annual event that focuses on revealing the amusing side of nature wants to bring you though – as the authors state on their website, “way more importantly, this competition is about conservation.“
They work together with Born Free Foundation, animal welfare and conservation charity, that takes action worldwide to save lives, stop suffering and protect species in the wild.
Founded by two passionate wildlife photographers, this quirky competition showcases the cute silliness of glorious animal kingdom. This year‘s awards have six amazing categories to explore and we assure you that there‘s no shortage of fun in them.