‘Stuck Squirrel’ photo wins Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Award 2024

NEW DELHI: The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024 winners have been announced and the grand prize has been awarded to Italian photographer Milko Marchetti for his amusing shot titled “Stuck Squirrel.” The photograph which was taken on April 23, 2022 in Podere Pantaleone Park, Bagnacavallo, Ravenna, Italy, captures a squirrel seemingly stuck in a tree.

Marchetti’s image stood out for its humor and the unique position of the squirrel which appears to be wedged in the tree’s hole. The photo captures the exact moment the squirrel is detaching its hind legs to enter its hide. Marchetti explained, “I have taken several photos of squirrels in many situations but this shot immediately struck me for the strange position assumed by the squirrel.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nikon Europe (@nikoneurope)

For winning the competition Marchetti will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. He will also receive a grand handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania and a photography bag from Think Tank.

The competition was fierce with only 40 photographers shortlisted from over 9,000 entries across 98 countries. Founded in 2015 by photographers and conservationists Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate the lighter side of wildlife.

ALSO READ: India’s Tiger population reaches 3,682 amid 37% decrease in mortalities: NTCA report

Marchetti’s “Stuck Squirrel” was chosen as the winner from a record number of entries which mark the the highest in the competition’s 10-year history. The judges praised Marchetti’s excellent capture which they described as an “excellent capture of a red squirrel stuck in a tree.” The award ceremony took place at Oxo Gallery in London.

Stefan Maier, senior general manager of marketing at Nikon Europe, expressed his excitement over Marchetti’s win. He praised the photograph for “brilliantly capturing the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting.”

ALSO READ: Kolar embraces animatronic elephant for temple festivities

Marchetti shared that whenever he shows this image at nature seminars the audience always bursts into laughter. “I had to enter it,” he said. His winning photo serves as a reminder of the amusing and unpredictable moments in nature.

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards continue to bring attention to conservation through humor and highlight the importance of protecting wildlife. Marchetti’s win is a testament to the power of photography in capturing the beauty and humor of the natural world.