The finalists in the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are always guaranteed to raise a smile and this year’s cohort certainly don’t disappoint. There are gossipy racoons, work-shy nutria and some hard looking penguins with scores to settle. We’ve picked our favourite shots from 2024's shortlist, plus some of the best entries from the 2023 and 2022 competitions too.

Click through the gallery to find pics that are sure to brighten your day...

Is this mantis auditioning to appear in hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing? He certainly wouldn’t stand any nonsense from the professionals.

This little ground squirrel (known locally as a zeisel) looks to be in fine voice. He's even using that flower as a microphone.

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And now some favourites from past awards. Hands in pockets, head bowed, this goose is the epitome of a jaded office worker ambling home after a long day. Not now avocet, not now.

This exhausted owl parent hasn't slept in three nights. More importantly, she hasn't slept during the days either.

No, the eyes and beak haven't been painted on. This is a photo of a white grouse, and it's extremely silly.

Yoda, Gandalf and the tortoise from Kung Fu Panda all rolled into one, this polar bear cub looks wise far beyond his years. Don't be fooled though: he'd rather eat your intestines than teach you about individuality and the self.

A multi-sensory photo, we can hear this image almost more than we can see it. Thump, thump, thump.

Coming to you live from the set of Paddington 3....

This exceptionally casual fox has its own personal Cuban supplier. The smoking jacket, armchair and half-full whiskey glass are just out of shot.

"And if you look straight ahead you'll see the common or garden 'mist deer'. Please make sure your flash is turned off."

This mummy and daddy gannet are steeling themselves for a difficult parents evening. No wonder Junior looks sheepish.

We're glad this bizarre photo never crossed the desk of Hans Christian Andersen, or Disney's recent live-action remake could have looked extremely different.

This owl could be enjoying a joke with its friends, or mid-way through a rampaging murder spree. It's the intensity in the eyes... we're a little bit scared.

These king penguins can do the macarena way better than we can. Now we want to see them do the zombie dance from Thriller.

Younger sibling telling on his brother, or door-to-door salesman flogging a pyramid scheme? You decide.

We're going to let this photo speak for itself. We don't trust ourselves to comment...

Now check out these adorable animal images which are sure to lift your spirits

This wood pigeon is screeching into the void with all the ferocity of a pensioner telling kids to get off his lawn. Sing it, sister.

This lioness has just finished yawning but is doing everything she can to conceal a grin. Being a lioness is serious business, after all.

An inquisitive bear cub has discovered an eagle feather and is contemplating penning a 'bear'-all memoir.

This guillemot has dinner in its beak and is about to dive into a horde of very hungry youths. We have a sneaking suspicion it may have to fly off in search of more supplies...

A pair of lappet-faced vultures strut their stuff as South Africa's Kruger National Park serves as their catwalk.

This three-month-old lion cub tries his best to stop himself tumbling down a tree. It hasn't quite gone to plan.

A Picasso triggerfish isn't a fan of whatever it's just eaten, as its most recent meal from the coral has come right back up.

A nilgai (also known as bluebuck) ventures too close to a sarus crane's nest. The tallest flying bird in the world attacks the bull from behind, giving the composition a Pegasus-inspired feel.

Something funny? This female monkey is calling her children – or maybe she's just delivered a great punchline.

This salmon isn't going to be anyone's dinner; not even a terrifying brown bear's. The small-yet-mighty fish slaps its predator right in the face.

A little lisper squirrel is bewildered by whatever it's seen. Or perhaps it was interrupted? Regardless, the photographer left some biscuits to apologise for the inconvenience.

Two wallabies are either fighting, playing or practising for the cheerleading team.

These cheeky meerkats are in a playful mood, as one wraps its arms around the other's neck. Is he overreacting or just in a silly mood?

A young proboscis monkey can't believe his eyes at whatever he's just seen.

This bull moose seems pretty smug with his impressive antlers. Either that, or he's about to show off by attacking...

This introverted owl hides in the chimney of a collapsed house. Judging from his expression, he doesn't like visitors.

This gentoo penguin has had enough with his friend and gives the sassiest snub we've ever seen.

This weary long-tailed macaque mother is dreaming of a much-needed spa day as her baby clings on.

This king penguin isn't too sure about his pal's headless prank.

Fancy a drink? This monkey from Abha, Saudi Arabia, knows his best angles and is ready to mingle.

Is this a new yoga pose we don't know about yet? This red squirrel jumps through the air during a rainstorm, giving the shot a dramatic, movie-like slow motion feel.

This elegant swan is doing a good job of calming down whoever's in front of them. 

An adorable penguin chick sprints across the ice, propelling its arm as it flees. Perhaps it's just spotted a tasty-looking fish.

An inquisitive owlet tries to sneak a view of the outside world for the first time, although the mother owl doesn't seem very happy with the arrangement.

A wild monkey taps his pal to make sure he's feeling fully relaxed – or to remind him of an upcoming meeting.

A duckling waddles across a turtle-covered log after a few slippery falls. Why swim when you can walk across these handy stepping stones?

This bear cub isn't ready for the curtain close; he's having too good a time performing to a captivated audience.

What secret has this American red fox promised to keep? Moments later, it disappeared into the trees ahead, adding to its mystery... 

This zebra dreams of being in the rodeo by delivering his best back-kick.

Minding its own business, this heron is completely unaware of a hippo yawning directly behind it, and that it could easily be engulfed in its jaws. It also appears to be unaware (or blissfully ignorant) that it's standing on the back of another hippo.

This friendly raccoon has just been fed shrimps by the photographer. No wonder he's so happy. 

Now check out the funniest images from the Comedy Pet Photography Awards