Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021 finalists unveiled: Funniest animal photos of the year

Take a look at a selection of this year's finalists in the photo gallery above.

Much of Australia is in desperate need of a laugh right now, so we can be thankful that this year's finalists for the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have arrived.

This year's selection of 42 shortlisted images features a laughing snake from India, a singing kangaroo and a bear channelling Kate Winslet's character from Titanic.

Created by professional photographers and conservationists Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the global competition aims to highlight wildlife conversation while also giving people a much-needed laugh.

"We were overwhelmed with the number and quality of entries we received this year, with well over 7000 photos submitted from every corner of the globe," said Joynson-Hicks. "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."

The public can now vote (at comedywildlifephoto.com) until October 10 on which photo they think should be the winner in the People's Choice award.

Category and overall winners will be determined by a group of judges including wildlife photographers, travel journalists, comedians and more. The photographer behind the image judged to be the best will win a one-week safari in Kenya. The winners will be announced on October 22.

Last year's winner, featuring a turtle that appeared to be giving the finger to the camera, was snapped by Australian photographer Mark Fitzpatrick off Queensland's Lady Elliott Island.

Fitzpatrick, who nicknamed the turtle Terry, said he was pleased the photo could give people a laugh in a difficult year. With 2021 looking little better than 2020, hopefully this year's selection offers a few laughs too.