A young gorilla skipping through a forest clearing in Rwanda has charmed judges and audiences alike in the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards. As British photographer Mark Meth-Cohn explained to PEOPLE, the youngster “was especially keen to show off his acrobatic flair,” high-kicking and tumbling through the clearing. Titled "High Five," the photo won the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards, captured during a trek in the Virunga Mountains.

Meth-Cohn spent four days tracking gorilla families in the mist. His patience paid off when the Amahoro family gathered in an open patch of forest. Adults foraged. Juveniles played hard. One decided to dance. That burst of energy became the winning image, celebrated for its timing and spirit.

Photo: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards / Paula Rustemeier

"Hit the dance floor!" by Paula Rustemeier, Germany

Record-Breaking Competition, Global Spotlight

This year’s contest drew more than 10,000 entries from 109 countries, the largest field in its history, according to CNN. Judges narrowed the pool to 40 finalists before selecting winners across categories for mammals, reptiles, insects, underwater life, and youth entries. The awards ceremony took place in London, where organizers emphasized the joy these images bring at a time when wildlife news can feel heavy.

The competition’s founders say humor opens a door for empathy. The mission of the Comedy Wildlife Awards is to help people connect with wildlife by highlighting moments that reveal how expressive animals can be.

Photo: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards / Mark Meth-Cohn

"High Five" by Mark Meth-Cohn, UK

A Frog Fight, Dancing Foxes, and a Smiling Fish

Teen photographer Grayson Bell delivered one of the year’s most memorable frames. His image of two frogs locked in a dramatic mid-pond tussle, "Baptism of an Unwilling Convert," won both the junior category and the reptile, amphibian, and insect award. Bell told PEOPLE he didn’t realize what he’d captured until reviewing the photos at home.

Germany’s Paula Rustemeier won the young photographer category with a lively fox scene titled "Hit the Dance Floor," CNN reports. Meanwhile, a beaming fish named "Smiley" earned Jenny Stock top aquatic honors.

Photo: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards / Grayson Bell

"Baptism Of The Unwilling Convert" by Grayson Bell, USA

Highly Commended Moments

Other standout images show a bear glancing upward with a gentle grin, three young lions mid-yawn, and a lemur pausing with a raised finger as if deep in thought. Photographer Liliana Luca described the Malagasy lemur as having “the timing of a comedian,” a moment she shared with PEOPLE. A playful troop of monkeys in Zimbabwe also made the commendation list, captured during Kalin Botev’s honeymoon.

Each entry reveals something familiar: expression, mischief, and an unexpected sense of drama.

Photo: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards / Jessica Emmett

"Battle Hug" by Jessica Emmett, Singapore

Comedy With a Conservation Purpose

The competition continues to use humor to spark awareness about wildlife conservation. Thousands of images now serve not only as entertainment but as reminders of the individuality of animals across the world. As the organizers explain, their goal is simple: engage people with joy first, then guide them toward valuing and protecting the species behind the laughter.