Think of wildlife photography and it might call to mind majestic images of cheetahs stalking at sunrise, soaring eagles during the salmon run or a pod of elegant orcas closing in on their prey. But sometimes, the shutter clicks and catches the animal in a far less dignified moment. The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards reliably capture these moments, and we've included eight of the funniest entries from this year's awards at the end of this gallery.

These two sneaky bandits found themselves bang to rights when they were spied at the bottom of a suspiciously empty litter bin. Just look at that face – guilty as charged, Your Honour. The raccoons' lawyers are yet to give a statement.

This orangutan just CC'd a work email he should have BCC'd, and is now contemplating leaving the country and retraining as a chimpanzee.

It's chucking it down with rain, you forgot your umbrella and you're already late for the school run, and then you have to wait for a lizard to slowly cross the road. The day can only improve for this capybara family and their pet bird.

Katy the western grey kangaroo was very excited to get front-row tickets to see Taylor Swift. So much so that security had to step in when the chorus dropped for Shake It Off...

The triplets are squabbling over the TV remote again. King Kong or Planet of the Apes? It's a tough choice. Not pictured: mama macaque screaming into the void as she stares down yet another day of torment.

There's supposed to be a stag in this photo, but we couldn't tell you where...

This grizzly bear's out-of-office is on and she's on her fifth cocktail at the beach bar already.

Wilbur the wolf's mona monkey took his friend's question a little too literally and is now investigating.

These two fluffy gentoo penguin chicks make the cutest double act. This great photo catches them skipping through grass on the Falkland Islands like a beflippered Laurel and Hardy. 

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Why do we feel like this giraffe is questioning every life decision we’ve ever made?

Amy the Arctic wolf had big plans for her and Asa's romantic weekend away. But Asa just wasn't feeling it...

When you have to be up early but your neighbours were blasting jungle music at full volume until the wee hours of the morning. Somebody get this toad a coffee, pronto.

This limber lemur just remembered it's payday and is celebrating with an impromptu boogie.

Let's play a game, they said. It would be fun, they said. These common gallinules are wishing they'd never agreed to playing hopscotch on this slimy pond. Good luck washing that off, folks.

It’s karaoke night for these Californian sea lions and they're practising their best rendition of Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees. Long wigs and white flares are primed and ready for action, just out of shot.

This curious fox getting artsy in the Alps takes the meaning of 'wildlife photographer' to a whole other level.

That feeling when you've lost control of the day and have no idea how your inbox suddenly crept up to 87 unread messages.

This young male western lowland gorilla thought no one was looking when he decided to have a cheeky dig up his nose. He was mistaken...

If this fish is religious, now would be a good time to say a prayer.

Hattie the hippo moonlights as a water taxi service – very popular with the local terrapins and red-billed oxpeckers. She's available for all of your transportation needs and charges competitive prices.

This very dramatic squirrel looks like it's about to summon all of the Earth's elemental energy to use against its archenemy. Or perform a passionate Shakespearean soliloquy.

This wild turkey just checked its calendar. Brunch with the girls, followed by a hot date with destiny…

You gotta go! We hope there's plenty of Andrex in Kruger National Park. Bet Robert the white rhino is regretting that extra blade of grass now.

This lazy lion is just letting it all hang out.

More amazing photos that show the beautiful and brutal power of Mother Nature

Count your lucky stars that you're not on the receiving end of Betty the baboon's icy glare. She leaves a trail of shattered egos wherever she goes.

This clan of Egyptian ducks are actually international criminal masterminds. They've been known to outsmart the FBI and now London's Metropolitan Police. Will they ever be brought to justice?

When you have a to-do list as long as the last piece of bamboo you ate, but having a nap sounds like a far more tempting proposition.

This feisty little greenfinch is channelling its inner Gloria Gaynor. If it were possible to hear a photo, we know exactly how this one would sound.

Kudos to Leonardo the llama for this very impressive selfie. Must have been tricky without thumbs.

We’re not sure what’s gone on here, but we can only assume this ground squirrel just watched the bathtub scene from Saltburn. Thank goodness he has an emotional support carrot to get him through this confusing time.

A good stretch is always the best way to start the day.

This owl parent seems to be laying down the law but their offspring is showing typical adolescent indifference.

This penguin seems mightily fascinated by the camera.

If this little bear cub is hoping to be a future Shakespeare, someone needs to teach him how to hold a quill.

Who's going to give these zebras a record deal?

If this guillemot was hoping for a quiet dinner for one he probably should have looked for another landing spot.

These bactrian camels are pushing the floral wreath look for this season.

Life is a catwalk for these preening lappet-faced vultures.

Every day seems to be Valentine’s Day for these two long-necked lovebirds.

It seems those legendary cat reflexes have yet to develop in this three-month-old lion cub.

This cat seems less than amused at having been put in charge of these ducklings. Perhaps she’s worried that they’re going to ask her for swimming lessons.

If sharing is caring, then this panda is as apathetic as can be.

Looks like someone has been left out in the cold. Awww!

These bear cubs are going to be disappointed if they expect mama to give them a piggy back.

This sloth is hoping to be the next Eric Clapton.

Whatever the joke is, we’d love to be in on it.

Some people accuse giraffes of having small brains, so this trio decided that shared knowledge was the way forward.

This cheeky bird knows how to grab the spotlight!

Looks like the GPS has gone a bit haywire for this unfortunate mallard.

We all remember this feeling from school PE lessons. Let’s hope this little chap gets selected soon.

Now check out the world's ugliest animals we can't help but love