The competition was started in 2015 by co-founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam. Joynson-Hicks started the competition after he realized humorous wildlife photos were a unique way to raise awareness for the conservation of these funny animals.

Now, the global competition accepts thousands of funny images from around the world and engages a conversation around wildlife conservation. Joynson-Hicks said there was an overwhelming turnout for this year’s competition.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of quality entries we received this year with well over 7,000 photos submitted from every corner of the globe,” Joynson-Hicks said. “It was an amazing turnout, especially given the impact of the pandemic. The huge number of images we receive every year illustrates the appetite there is to engage with conservation and reminds us that wildlife truly is incredible and hilarious and we must do all we can to protect it.”

Each year the competition donates 10 percent of their net revenue toward a conservation organization. This year the competition is donating to the Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program which works to protect wild orangutans in Borneo.

This year’s finalists included the largest mix of animals to date, according to organizers. The competition also opened up the “People’s Choice” category, an accolade awarded to the photo with the most votes. Previous “People’s Choice” winners include a surprised Alaskan otter floating in the water and an Oprah singing ground squirrel. Voting for the “People’s Choice” category is open until October 10.

“Whittling down the list of photographs was harder than ever this year,” Sullam said. “There were so many funny pictures that had us laughing that we couldn’t settle on a top 40–so we’re releasing the top 42 instead!”

The 42 photos feature laughable moments such as a kangaroo missing a kick during a fight in Australia and a golden silk monkey with a priceless expression. Some other top contenders include a Kodiak brown bear posing on a rock and a prairie dog attempting to fight off a bald eagle.

Category and overall winners will be announced on October 22. The top image will win a one-week safari with Alex Walker’s Serian in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and a handmade trophy from Tanzania.