The results are in: the award for funniest wildlife photo of the year goes to amateur photographer Ken Jensen for his shot of a golden silk monkey looking, er, a little uncomfortable ...
The image – captured in 2016 on a bridge that runs over the river Xun in the Lonsheng Gorge, Yunnan, in China – was chosen from a collection of over 7,000 chuckle-worthy entries in this year's competition. Founded by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the contest showcases the funnier side of the natural world and aims to promote wildlife conservation through humour. This year, 10% of the total net revenue from the competition will be donated to Save Wild Orangutans – an initiative that safeguards orangutans in and around Gunung Palung National Park in Borneo.
"I was absolutely overwhelmed to learn that my entry had won, especially when there were quite a number of wonderful photos entered," Jensen told the event organisers. "The publicity that my image has received over the last few months has been incredible, it is such a great feeling to know that one’s image is making people smile globally as well as helping to support some fantastically worthwhile conservation causes."
Golden silk monkeys roam freely in the forest area where the shot was taken. Family groups are commonly seen playing on the bridge and are very inquisitive towards humans, according to a statement released by the event organisers. "This particular male monkey was actually showing a sign of aggression as he sat on one of the supporting wires, but as Ken’s fabulous shot shows - timing is everything."
Also picking up an award in this year's contest was Arthur Trevino whose image entitled "Ninja Prairie Dog" landed the top prize in the Animals of the Land Category. The perfectly timed photo shows a bald eagle, wings spread, seemingly being held off by a brave prairie dog. Trevino confirmed that the prairie dog managed to evade the eagle's clutches.
Here's a look at some of the other winners and highly commended images in this year's competition:
Pigeon, Oban, Argyll, Scotland
© John Speirs/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Bald Eagle, South west Florida, USA
© David Eppley/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Brown Bear Cubs, Kamchatka Peninsula, Far East Russia
© Andy Parkinson/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards