Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Grumpy gorillas and faceplanting elephants among finalists for 2020

It's been a taxing year for many people – but luckily several members of the animal kingdom have been on hand to offer some light relief. Creatures have been captured in hilarious positions as part of this year's Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The annual competition, which is now in its sixth year, revealed the 44 photographs that have been selected as finalists for the 2020 prize. From greedy puffins and mischievous bears to curious giraffes and cackling seals, each contender offers a strikingly candid view of its subject. Scroll through the gallery above to discover the finalists in this year's Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The category champions will be announced on Thursday, October 22, with the overall top prize winner awarded a one-week safari in Kenya. One prize is also the People's Choice Award, votes for which can be cast at comedywildlifephoto.com . The competition, cofounded by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam to focus on the lighter side of wildlife as well as promote conservation, will be judged by a star jury. TV presenter Kate Humble, actor Hugh Dennis, conservationist Bella Lack and wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas are on the judging panel this year.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Grumpy gorillas and faceplanting elephants among finalists for 2020

Several creatures have been captured in hilarious positions as part of this year's selection