[imagesource: Sameer Walunj / 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards]

The competition for the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards remains untamed, with entries from professional and amateur photographers pouring in from all over the world.

We already had a sneak peek of some of the cutest, most gigil*-worthy early entries at the start of this year, but with the competition still accepting admissions until September 1, we have to show you more.

It’s too much of a hoot not to – wink wink, nudge nudge, owl-style.

*Gigil, by the way, is my favourite Tagalog word for describing the overwhelming feeling that comes over us when we see something cute.

Whether it’s baby animals playing silly buggers or adults being goofballs, the photos show that nature is not just about survival but also a whole lot of fun, per My Modern Met:

The preview images show a wide range of entries from the contest’s six categories, which include Land, Air, Underwater, and Portfolio.

There is also a youth category to spotlight talented photographers under 18 years of age. Prizes include a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and, of course, the title of 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

The competition always pairs with conservation charities, and this year it’s chosen to support the Whitley Fund For Nature by donating 10% of its total net revenue to the charity.

Okay, gigil time.

‘Uncomfortable pillow’ by Andrew Peacock was shot on Snow Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica:

These elephant seal weaners were practicing their jousting skills for many minutes before they collapsed in exhaustion. One looks to be resting far more comfortably than the other.

I also like to plant my face into my partner’s neck in pure, unadulterated exhaustion:

‘It’s only funny until…’ by Deena Sveinsson captured two sibling coyote pups playing in Estes Park, Colorado, USA:

This clever little duckling found a way to waddle across a pond on a turtle-covered log at the wetlands in Juanita Bay Park, Lake Washington, USA.

‘Excuse Me, Pardon Me’ was shot by Ryan Sims:

This photo of a snail popping over to say hi by PF Loke in Thomson Nature Park, Singapore, is titled ‘Kaiju’ after the giant monster that features in Japanese film:

Ah yes, very scary, such a monster.

A giraffe scratching a hard-to-reach itch in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, was taken by Shelly Perkins, titled ‘That’s the Spot’:

Is it just me, or are its lips curling in pleasure?

Then we have a gazelle which must have considered itself utterly unique, crowning its head with a heap of grass.

‘What are you looking at?’ was captured by Lincol Lin while on safari in Tanzania:

You do you, boo.

Lastly, relish in this chubby winter Grey squirrel having a nap by leaning against a convenient tree branch.

This ‘Post Lunch Nap’ was spotted by Stuart Malcolm in Neenah, Wisconsin, USA:

Now I am feeling inspired to climb a tree and catch some Zs.

Once the submission period is closed, entries will be judged by an expert panel that includes respected wildlife photographers.

We’ll have to wait until October to see who takes home the top spots.

[source:mymodernmet]