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A shocked monkey, happy birds and more: The Picture Show: NPR

news7g11/19/2021

4 4 minutes read

A shocked monkey, happy birds and more: The Picture Show: NPR

Alex Walker’s Land Serian Creature Award: Ninja steppe dog! in U.S.A.

© Art Trevino / Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2021

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Alex Walker’s Land Serian Creature Award: Ninja steppe dog! in U.S.A.

The Funny Wildlife Photography Awards have unearthed hilarious and heartwarming photos of creatures that are essentially their best selves since 2015.

And this year is no exception. Recently announced winners and finalists of the 2021 competition includes a grumpy-looking monkey, a trio of gluttonous raccoons, a reunion of cheerful birds, gravity-defying fish, and an all-powerful prairie dog.

A panel of judges curates through thousands of entries from professional and beginner photographers, and determines a winner for each of several categories – except People’s Choice Award, subject to members of the public. The overall winner received a handcrafted trophy from a workshop in Tanzania and a week-long safari in Kenya.

This year’s top prize belongs to Ken Jensen. His photo, taken in Yunnan, China, shows a yellow silk monkey in a rather uncomfortable position with an appropriately startled expression.

The caption reads: “This is really an act of aggression, however in the position the monkey is in, it looks quite painful!”

Another crowd favorite showed a dove with a flying leaf covering its entire face, with the caption “I guess summer is over.” John Speirs’ photo took home the People’s Choice Award.

Rahul Lakhmani won in the single video category with the video titled “Hug best friend after locking lips”. In it, a bird perches on a tree branch as another lunges at it, knocking them both out of the frame. It was definitely a memorable moment for many this year.

Contests are not just a joy to watch. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.

“Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards was born out of a need for a wildlife photography competition that was gentle, humble and, importantly, could make a difference to animals and our natural world” read its website. “Its founders recognized that laughter was a uniquely effective tool to engage audiences of all ages and cultures with images of creatures they might never have been able to enjoy. the eye sees – and that the world may be lost forever.”

Organizers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE, Tom Sullam and Michelle Wood say they also donate 10% of their total net sales to conservation organizations that protect endangered wildlife. This year, the proceeds will go to Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program in Borneo.

Nature is healing, as they say. But it still has a long way to go.