The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has reached a remarkable milestone in its 10th year. This year witnessed an astonishing 9,000+ entries, setting a new record. The 45 shortlisted finalists were on display in the Gallery@Oxo in London from 11th to 15th December, offering a visual feast for all. Italian photographer Milko Marchetti emerged as the top award winner with their captivating image of a red squirrel seemingly stuck in a tree.

Winners and Their Prizes

Milko Marchetti, the overall winner, won a safari trip to the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Kingston Tam, the Nikon Young photographer category winner, walked away with a Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera and a 24-120mm zoom lens for their closeup image of a frog. These talented photographers have truly showcased the beauty and diversity of wildlife through their lenses.

Milko Marchetti's Winning Shot

Milko's photograph of the red squirrel was taken in 2022 in the Podere Pantaleone park in Bagnacavallo, Ravenna, Italy. During the months when the park is closed to the public, Milko uses a hide to get close to the animals. His access is granted in exchange for his amazing photos. Sighting such squirrels is generally rare in Italy, but in this park, they seem more confident. Milko says, "Nature photography has been my passion since I was a boy. I've dedicated all my free time and energy to it. Nature offers so much beauty and variety, and with a camera, a photographer can freeze a moment and make it last forever in the form of a photograph. The emotion I feel when I click the camera button is pure adrenaline, and my hope is always to convey at least one natural emotion through my photography. It seems it really worked this time!"

Category Winners

Kingston Tam won the Nikon Young photographer category with his image of an awkward smiley frog. Tapani Linnanmäki won the People's choice category with his "Shake ruffle rattle and roll" photo. Jose Miguel Gallego Molina won the Insect category with "Mantis Flamenca". Eberhard Ehmke won the Reptile category with "Frog in a balloon". Damyan Petkov won the Bird category with "Whiskered Tern crash on landing". Przemyslaw Jakubczyk won the Fish & other aquatic animal category with "Unexpected role swap". Sarthak Ranganadhan won the Nikon junior photographer category with "Smooching owlets".Each of these photographers has brought a unique perspective to the competition, highlighting the amazing moments and expressions captured in their images. Their work not only showcases the beauty of wildlife but also reminds us of the importance of protecting these precious creatures and their habitats.