A sneezing moose, a flower-hat sunbird, a squirrel vs. an owl: comedy wildlife's 2026 finalists

The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards drew a record 10,000-plus entries from 112 countries, and the 40 finalists are pure joy: a sneezing moose, a sunbird wearing a flower petal as a hat, a squirrel tackling a great horned owl. This year's contest supports the Born Free Foundation; winners are announced December 8 and the shortlist hangs at Gallery@Oxo in London December 9–13. The animal kingdom's blooper reel — for conservation.