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6th grader's science fair project answers age-old question: 'Do cat buttholes touch everything?'

You know you've been wondering.

Photo courtesy of Kerry Hyde

Do cat buttholes touch every surface they sit on? Science answers.

Cat owners are a special breed of people. Sometimes, in dealing with feline friends, they have unique questions that even Google doesn't always have the answer to. This is probably the sole reason cat forums exist, but one kid who needed a 6th grade science project decided to skip the cat forums for answers and instead use the scientific method. Kaeden Henry, a sixth grader living in Florida, bravely pondered a question few (if any one) has been brave enough to ask: do cat buttholes touch every surface they sit on?

Since cats do whatever the heck they want, training them not to jump on kitchen counters is a feat even Hercules struggles to complete. These fierce felines don't care if you're cooking dinner or trying to get comfy in bed. If they want to sit somewhere, they're going to do it. The thought of cat butts on that expensive Serta pillow designed to feel like you're sleeping on a cloud can gross people out, but thanks to Kaeden, you no longer have to wonder if the butthole itself is also making contact.

cats; pets; cat lovers; cat parents; cats on counters; cat butts, pets, animals, humor, funny, science The scientific method as it was meant to be used.Courtesy of Kerry Hyde

The curious sixth grader is homeschooled and well-versed in the scientific method thanks to her mother's PhD in animal behavior with a concentration in feline behavior. And, since they own cats, the science experiment was pretty straightforward (and directly impactful).

To complete the experiment, Henry and his mom, Kerry Hyde, bought non-toxic lipstick and applied it to each of their cat's anuses. Then, the cats were given commands. (Commands... hilarious, right?)

cats; pets; cat lovers; cat parents; cats on counters; cat butts, pets, animals, humor, funny, science What are you planning on doing with that lipstick?Courtesy of Kerry Hyde

"Non-toxic lipstick was applied to their bum-bums, they were then given a series of commands (sit, wait, lie down, and jump up. Side note: Both cats have been trained since kittenhood with a variety of commands, they also know how to high-five, spin around, and speak.), they were compensated with lots of praise, pets, and their favorite treats, and the lipstick was removed with a baby wipe once we collected our data in just under 10 minutes," Hyde wrote in a Facebook post.

The results? Turns out that, no, cat buttholes do not touch every surface cats sit on.

Now, let's all take a collective sigh of relief while we go over the details. Kaeden's experiment covered long-haired, short-haired, and medium-haired cats (if your cat is hairless, you better stock up on Clorox wipes just in case).

"His results and general findings: Long and medium haired cat’s buttholes made NO contact with soft or hard surfaces at all. Short haired cats made NO contact on hard surfaces. But we did see evidence of a slight smear on the soft bedding surface. Conclusion, if you have a short haired cat and they may be lying on a pile of laundry, an unmade bed, or other soft uneven surface, then their butthole MAY touch those surfaces!" Hyde shares.

Now every curious cat owner can rest easy knowing that as long as their cat has hair, their bare bottom balloon knot is not touching the majority of surfaces in their home.

cats; pets; cat lovers; cat parents; cats on counters; cat butts, pets, animals, humor, funny, science You want me to sit on that?Courtesy of Kerry Hyde

The amusing experiment caught the Internet's attention. People laughed and commented, with one person writing, "This is probably the most useful information I’ve learned from a science fair project."

"Good to know!...I can now eat my sandwich left on the counter with confidence!" another writes.

cats; pets; cat lovers; cat parents; cats on counters; cat butts, pets, animals, humor, funny, science High five for an A+! Courtesy of Kerry Hyde

"A+++!!! Whew!! I am very grateful for your sciencing on this subject. My fears from walking in on my cat sitting on my laptop keyboard and subsequently being grossed out and cleaning furiously in a hyper-ocd manner have been somewhat allayed and now maybe I won’t have to use QUIIITE so many wipes." someone chimes in.

"Finally.. Someone answers the important questions!!"

The best part of the story? Kaeden's mom has a Ph.D. in animal behavior, specializing in feline behavior, and even she learned something new. The power of science!

This article originally appeared in April. It has been updated.

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Joy

Zookeepers fail to get stubborn baby hippo out of the water. Then mama brings 'the stare.'

“The ‘mom stare’ is universal in every species."

@tanganyikawildlifepark/TikTok

The mom stare is universal.

Want definitive proof that all living creatures share some inexplicable connection? Look no further than nature itself.

In this case, by “nature” we mean viral footage of a baby hippo who refused to leave his pool playtime…until it was met with the “mom stare” we all know and fear.

In an adorable clip shared by Kansas’ Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we see zookeepers try—and fail—to retrieve a five-week-old pygmy hippopotamus calf named Mars from a pool. They simply couldn’t compete with Mars’ heft and slipperiness…not to mention his stubbornness.

Then Mars’ mom Posie entered the chat. The camera panned over to her giving “the stare,” and within seconds the little fella was on dry land, no questions asked.

@tanganyikawildlifepark
Better listen to mom! #babyhippo #hippobaby #marsthehippo

Speaking with Today, Tanganyika’s Curator of Research and Welfare, Dr. Samantha Russak shared that the 40 pound calf had the advantage of being covered with a mucus-like substance called “blood sweat,” which helps prevent dryness and sunburns, and, in this instance, being taken in by well-intentioned zookeepers. But no amount of blood sweat would be a match for the infamous mom stare.

“It seems to be universal. Moms everywhere just have that power over babies,” she told Today.

@tanganyikawildlifepark
Baby Link ✨ #pygmyhippo #babyhippo #hippo #babyanimals

Indeed, people in the comments were in full agreement that Posie’s stare communicated something we could all understand without actually making a sound.

“The ‘mom stare’ is universal in every species,” one person wrote, while another echoed, “So, toddlers of all species are the same.”

And of course, people joked about exactly what Posie was saying with that stare:

“I know you heard that lady tell you to come out of the water.”

“Mars potato jones get out of the water now.”

“Mom: ‘I’m gonna turn around and start walking, if I look back and you aren’t out of that pool and right behind me, we’re gonna have a problem, k?’”

“GIT over here I told you not to be acting a fool with these people. They feed us.”

“Mom said don’t make me count to 3.”

“She was like ‘Don’t let me tell you twice…”

Some folks even took a stab at what little Mars might have been thinking.

“You’re not my mom! Oop, there she is. Coming ma!” one viewer quipped.

@tanganyikawildlifepark
Not the mud falling off his face at the end 🤣 #babyhipoj #hippobaby #mars #ijustababy

Humans are known for attributing our species-specific traits, feelings, and behaviors to animals in a process called anthropomorphism. Just how accurate we are in being able to interpret creature communications remains largely up to debate, but in moments like these, when it intuitively feels so clear what’s being expressed, it’s hard not to believe in our ability to connect with our fellow living creatures in a profound way. Not only that, but acknowledge the profound connection between a mother and child. Whether you’re furred, feathered, or human, we all know the power of that stare. That’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

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Joy

Cockatoo has an incredible maniacal laugh that feels straight out of a movie

You've gotta listen.

Photo credit: Canva, Tenor

This is a laugh Dr. Evil would be proud of.

A rescue cockatoo named Molly was very subdued and a bit skittish when she was first brought into her human family. But her entire attitude changed once she met her new human brother, and now visitors might be in for a slightly terrifying surprise.

Molly developed a habit of chasing her humans around the house laughing like an evil supervillain as they playfully run from room to room.

She may not be in cahoots with her fellow feathered friends to try to take over the world...yet…but her laugh is hilariously maniacal.

@birdprozac
#cockatoos #foryou #fyp #birds #pets #funnypets #funny #parrotsoftiktok #what #funnyanimals #entertainment #laughter #laughing #mybaby #hellothere

Molly family is more than down for her games, too. They not only play hide and seek with this lovable bird, they quite literally take her everywhere they possibly can—from coffee runs to hiking through the woods with her humans. While Molly doesn't startle strangers with her sinister laugh, she does randomly scream loudly when she's in public, which is probably more startling.

@birdprozac
#voices #foryou #fyp #birdprozac #birds #joy #funnypetsoftiktok #entertainment #laugh #parrot #parrotsoftiktok #what #viral #musician #singer #voices #molly #sweet #baby #birdsoftiktok #parrotsoftiktok #cockatoo #fun #car #carkaraoke #hilarious

But it's the time she spends with her favorite brother that she seems to value the most.

"Molly wasn't always such a fun, vibrant bird. When we got her she didn't trust us," Betty tells The Dodo. "But she was really in love with my older son from the minute she met him. He could pick her up, comfort her, she was not afraid of him at all."

Molly even hunts for her brother when she knows he's in the house, going from room to room knocking on doors with her beak, saying, "Hello," and waiting for an answer. It's such an adorable bond they share and the maniacal laughter is something you have to hear for yourself.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Just goes to show that animals—including those that have been rescued—have their own personalities, even if it takes a while for that personality to come out. When they do, their humans better be prepared for whatever might come.

This article originally appeared two years ago.

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Science

The 15 funniest winners from the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Which one do you think is the funniest?

Two winners from the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.

Once again, Upworthy is proud to share the winners of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, honoring the funniest in wildlife photography from around the globe. This year saw the largest number of entrants in the contest's 10-year history. Over 9,000 images were entered from professional and amateur photographers vying for the top prize. This year's winner is a hilarious shot of a red squirrel stuck in a tree trunk taken by Milko Marchetti of Italy.

“I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels in various situations over the years in Italy, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position. It captured the exact moment when the squirrel was detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide. Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explodes with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!” Marchetti said in a statement.

As the overall winner, Marchetti wins a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya, with Alex Walker’s Serian.

"We are thrilled to celebrate Milko Marchetti's outstanding achievement in the Nikon Comedy Photography Awards 2024. His image, 'Stuck Squirrel,' brilliantly captures the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting," Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe, said in a statement. "This year's competition received a record number of entries, each one a testament to the power of photography in evoking emotion. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of wildlife photographers through these wonderful awards."

The photo competition was started in 2015 by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, professional photographers who wanted to promote the importance of conservation while enjoying some laughs at the same time.

Here are the big winners of this year's contest.

1. Overall Winner: "Stuck Squirrel" (red squirrel) by Milko Marchetti, Italy

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography That's one stuck squirrel.© Milko Marchetti/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"The photo was taken on April 23, 2022, in the Podere Pantaleone park in Bagnacavallo – Ravenna – Italy. It is a park open to the public and schools, but from October to March, it is closed to visitors, and I am allowed (in exchange for photographs for educational and promotional purposes) to use a fixed photographic hide to photograph passerines, woodpeckers, hawks, and even 3-4 squirrels that come to visit the photographic set consisting of a small lake, and the surrounding vegetation.Generally, in Italy, especially in the area where I live, in the Po Delta Regional Park, it is very difficult to see and photograph squirrels (they are very rare) but here in the park they are quite confident.

A few meters from the hide, an old cut tree has a hole (an old woodpecker's nest), and here the squirrels (2 years ago there were 4 specimens) sometimes come out of curiousity to check out the old hollow tree. have taken several photos of squirrels in many situations, but the shot I choose to participate in the Nikon Comedy Wildlife immediately struck me for the strange position assumed by the squirrel that seems to be stuck halfway in the hole in the tree, but in reality it is the moment in which it is detaching the support on its hind legs and enters the hole.

This photo had an effect on me and made me smile a lot in the moment that I clicked the button, and during my evenings of slideshows and nature videos that I often hold at photography clubs and theaters, the audience always explodes in energetic laughter when I show this photo. I knew I had to enter it into the competition." — Milko Marchetti

2. Insect Category Winner: "Mantis Flamenca" (mantis mediterranea) by Jose Miguel Gallego Molina, Spain

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography A dancing mantis.© Jose Miguel Gallego Molina/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"On my way back from my photo walk in a swamp near my town (Pantano el Sitjar), I suddenly stopped my car on the road when I saw someone ordering me to stop. This was when I saw my friend, the Flemish Mantis, for the first time. You can imagine the faces of the other cars passing by, seeing a car with the indicators on and the door open, stopped on the roadside and a madman lying on the ground with his camera in his hand." — Jose Miguel Gallego Molina

3. Reptile Category Winner: "Frog in a Balloon" (frog) by Eberhard Ehmke, Germany

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography A frog stuck in a bubble of his own design.© Eberhard Ehmke/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"During a photo shoot at the pond, I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble. This resembles a tree bell." — Eberhard Ehmke

4. Aquatic Animals Category Winner: "Unexpected Role Swap" (bald eagle and bream) by Przemyslaw Jakubczyk, Poland

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography A blad eagle appears to be chased by a fish.© Przemyslaw Jakubczyk/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to de-stress by hunting for a bald eagle." — Przemyslaw Jakubczyk

5. Bird Category Winner: "Whiskered Tern Crash on Landing" (whiskered tern) by Damyan Petkov, Bulgaria

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography A whiskered tern has a crash landing.© Damyan Petkov/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Whiskered tern head hit the rock when try to land." — Damyan Petkov

6. Nikon 16 and Under Junior Category Winner: "Smooching Owlets" (spotted owlets) by Sarthak Ranganadhan, India

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography Owlettes sharing a smooch.© Sarthak Ranganadhan/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Our parents always find a way toembarrass us, I guess that's also true in the case of spotted owlets. It was truly a funny sight to see two owlets trying to get some privacy as their little offspring stood next to them with a grin and shut eyes." — Sarthak Ranganadhan

7. Nikon Junior 25 and Under Category Winner: "Awkward Smiley Frog" (frog) by Kingston Tam, Australia

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography © Kingston Tam/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"I’ve always been interested in photography since I was about 10. And I started out just taking snapshots of little things like flowers, pretty skies on my cousin’s point and shoot, just like any other 10 year old would. When I was about 16, I got super interested in star trail photography and started doing it on the Nikon p900 since it has a star trail mode for dummies. Slowly, it evolved to proper wide angle landscape and astrophotography (Milky Way and deep sky) and that’s when I invested in a bit of gear and really dived into learning about the technical and creative side of photography, trying to do better every time I go out shooting. I also decided to pick up photography for my high school art class and dabbled in some street photography. In 2022 I moved to Australia from Hong Kong to study wildlife science and my friends got me into ‘herping’ (looking for reptiles and amphibians in the wild) and through that, I met a bunch of amazing photographers who specialise in taking photos of these critters and I started doing it as well. And that’s how I ended up photographing critters. My goal for my images is to bring attention to our scaly or moist friends, showing that not only fluffy animals can be cute and beautiful. Ultimately, I wish my work could bring more conservation awareness to these amazing reptiles and amphibians, and that’s been my motivation to keep doing what I’m doing.This award is by far my biggest photography achievement yet. I never thought an accomplishment this scale would be achievable but I’m grateful that this photograph has been recognised by the judges and many others. This award would be a reminder to me that I should keep my passion up because someone out there appreciates my work and hopefully it can encourage people to show some love to not just the fluffy animals but also the slimy and scaly friends." — Kingston Tam

8. People's Choice Category Winner: "Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll" (white-tailed eagle) by Tapani Linnanmäki, Finland

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography That's a very fluffy eagle.© Tapani Linnanmäki/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"In the picture, a white-tailed eagle is ruffling its feathers. The picture was taken with the Nikon Z9's autocapture feature. The camera is placed on top of the sea ice on top of a bag of nuts at the level of the ice. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this picture. There were more than ten funny poses and expressions in the photo series." — Tapani Linnanmäki

9. Portfolio Category Winner: "Dancing To The Music, Rock Guitar, Roly Poly, Weight Lifting" (squirrel) by Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, Britain

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography A rockin' squirrel.© Flynn Thaitanundei/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

Highly Commended Winners

"Hide and Seek" (cheetah and topi) by Leslie McLeod, Kenya

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography That topi is in for the shock of a lifetime.© Leslie McLeod/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Alright Mate Back Off, This is My Bird" (king penguin) by Andy Rouse, South Georgia

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography "Back off, man!"© Andy Rouse/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"You're Not My Mother" (screech owlet and red-bellied woodpecker) by Randy Herman, U.S.A.

comedy wildlife awards, funny animal photos, photography "Please don't peck my head."© Randy Herman/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

For a full list of winners, visit Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.

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Science

18 of the funniest finalists in the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Which one do you think is the funniest?

via Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards (used with permission)

A scared squirrel and a cheetah playing hide 'n seek.

For the past 9 years, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has made people laugh with its competition, highlighting great nature photography that's too funny to find itself in National Geographic. This year is no different. The photography contest has announced 40 standalone images that have made the cut to compete for the top prizes after over 9,000 entries from 98 countries.

The top prize winner will receive a one-week safari with Alex Walker's Serian in Masai Mara. Among the entries are a cheetah playing hide-and-seek behind a tree, a squirrel stuck in a tree trunk and a frog caught in a bubble of his own making. The photographs are a lot of fun, but they also promote the message of conservation.

"We are thrilled to unveil the finalists for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of photographers from all around the world," Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe's Senior General Manager of Marketing, said in a statement. "These images capture not only the humor and charm of wildlife but also highlight the importance of conservation in a way that resonates with people of all ages and from all different walks of life."

Each year, the competition supports a sustainable conservation organization and this year, Comedy Wildlife is delighted to be working with Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), a UK charity that supports conservation leaders working in their home countries across the Global South.

Upworthy looked at the 40 finalists and chose 18 of our favorites. Check out the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards website to see all 40 finalists and vote for the People's Choice Award.

1. "Holding on for a Ride" (brown bear) by Alexander Fine, U.S.A.

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards Cubs riding a brown bear.© Alexander Fine/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"After a nap, the mother brown bear wanted to go for a walk, but the cubs wanted a ride." — Alexander Fine

2. "Alright Mate, Back Off, This is My Bird" by Andy Rouse (king penguin), Georgia

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards Some penguins getting into a fight.© Andy Rouse/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"This image was taken in South Georgia; it really does show a male king penguin trying to make a move on a female who has already paired up with her male. The body position and wing posture make the message clear, "Back off! This image was highly commended in the 2006 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year." — Andy Rouse

3. "I'm Too Sexy for My Love" by Arthur Stankiewicz (hippopotamus), Zimbabwe

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A hippo with a crown of flowers.© Arthur Stankiewicz /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"One of the 'lazy' mornings we have decided to stop by the pool with hippos while in Mana Pools NP. My idea was to try and catch fighting hippos, yet they all were quite peaceful. I have positioned on the bank, safely from the potential charge and waited. Some of them raised their heads in curiosity or when proximity to the other individuals was too close. Then I got this idea to catch the portrait with water plants decorating he head,It looked like the guy just got our of the hairdresser with a big smile on his face." — Arthur Stankiewicz

4. "The Contemplative Chimpanzee" by Arvind Mohandas (chimpanzee), Uganda

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A chimp with something on his mind.© Arvind Mohandas /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Shot in the jungles of Uganda, following a group of around 50 chimpanzees. This one was obviously contemplating an important issue, on a day of realization and reaffirmation of how close chimpanzees are to humans!" — Arvind Mohandas

5. "Otter Guru" by Charles Janson (sea otter), U.S.A

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A sea otter's blessing.© Charles Janson /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"In a kayak with my camera balanced precariously on the gunnel, I stayed very still while floating by this resting Sea Otter. It stayed relaxed (you can tell because it is still floating on its back) and kept on grooming its fur. With its peaceful face and upturned paws, it reminded me of a Guru meditating." — Charles Janson

6. "Saying My Prayers" by Christine Haines (sea otter), U.S.A

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A praying sea otter. © Christine Haines /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"I visited Lake Clark National Park to photograph bears. While there, I had an opportunity to travel to Duck Island, where I saw an otter floating next to the boat. Otters hold their food with their paws, making it appear like they are praying." — Christine Haines

7. "Whiskered Tern Crash Landing" by Damyan Petkov (whiskered tern)

A whiskered tern misses the landing.© Damyan Petkov /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Whiskered tern head hit the rock when try to land." — Damyan Petkov

8. "Frog in a Balloon by Eberhard Ehmke (frog), Germany

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A frog in a bubble.© Eberhard Ehmke /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"During a photo shoot at the pond, I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble. This resembles a tree bell." — Eberhard Ehmke

9. "Smiling Elephant Seal" by Gabriel Rojo (elephant seal), Argentina

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards An elephant seal that appears to be smiling, but he isn't. © Gabriel Rojo /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"These multi-ton giants fight to keep their harem of females. In the instant of the photo, the animal seems to be smiling. But the reality of the situation is that its expression of astonishment and smile is at the moment of fleeing quickly, because the dominant male was on his way to a bloody fight. It is better to preserve physical integrity... I better go." — Gabriel Rojo

10. "Laughing Out Loud" by Ingo Haman (seal), Germany

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A seal that appears to be luaghing.© Ingo Haman /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke." — Ingo Haman

11. "Where Do You Think You are Going" by Jörn Clausen (puffin), U.K.

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A puffin appears to be taking a bold step. © Jörn Clausen /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"This picture was taken in 2015 during my first visit to the Farne Islands (UK). The islands were full of puffins, kittywakes, shags, guillemots and razorbills, and I never before and since then have taken so many photos in such a short time. I think I really "saw" this image only later that day when I checked my haul." — Jörn Clausen

12. "Song of the Zeisel" by Kath Aggiss (European ground squirrel), Austria

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A squirrel calling out to his family.© Kath Aggiss /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Ground squirrel (local name Zeisel) is calling the family to say that he's found food." — Kath Aggiss

13. "Hide and Seek" by Leslie McLeod (cheetah and topi), Kenya

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A cheetah hides to catch a topi.© Leslie McLeod /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"We were on safari in Kenya and happened upon this beautiful female who was looking for a mate. A group of topi were also keeping a pretty close eye her as she left messages for a potential partner on various trees. This shot makes me think that the cheetah is just about to shout out, "ready or not, here I come!" — Leslie McLeod

14. "Are You Kidding" by Marti Phillips (Cape Fur seals), Namibia

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards Seals laughing together.© Marti Phillips /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"Two Cape Fur seals having a laugh." — Marti Phillips

15. "Gecko Fashion Model" by Michaela Bordoli (gecko), Namibia

As we walked on the sands of the Namib Desert, a gecko suddenly appeared, emerging out of nowhere with a smile on its face. It positioned itself perfectly, posing for a portrait worthy of a National Geography cover. It seemed to say: 'Take my picture, I'm ready for my cover!'" — Michaela Bordoli

16. "Stuck Squirrel" by Milko Marchetti (squirrel), Italy

comedy wildlife, nature photography, photo awards A squrrel stuck in a tree.© Milko Marchetti /Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024

"When the squirrel entered, he removed his feet from the trunk for a moment, and for the moment, it seemed as if he was blocked at the entrance to the burrow." — Milko Marchetti

17. "Wait, Which Zebra is in Front?" by Sarosh Lodhi (zebra), Kenya

"An image that causes optical illusion, making it difficult for the viewer to tell which zebra is in front. Shot in Kenya, I stayed focused on these two as they started coming towards each other. I was expecting them to interact, nozzle or maybe fight, but they coincidentally got aligned in a way to cause this beautiful optical illusion." — Sarosh Lodhi

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Nature

21 of the funniest photos from the Comedy Wildlife Awards

via Comedy Wildlife Awards

A sense of humor is a characteristic that many of us assume is only found among humans. However, according to Live Science, our primate relatives — chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans — all produce laughter-like sounds when tickled.

Koko, the gorilla that knew sign language, would tie her trainer's shoes together, sign, "chase," and then laugh.

So, who knows? Ants and spiders may share their own jokes that we have no idea about. And it'd be hard for a giraffe or puffer fish not to laugh from time to time given their looks.

Don't get me started on hyenas.

The photographers and wildlife conservationists from the Comedy and Wildlife Awards do a great job that humans aren't the only animals that enjoy having a laugh.

Every year, they hand out an award to the funniest wildlife photo and they've just released their top 44 finalists for the 2020 awards. So, we're sharing our top 21 favorites.

The winners will be announced on October 22 with the top photographer winning an incredible one-week safari with Alex Walker's Serian in the Masai Mara, Kenya as well as a unique handmade trophy from the Art Garage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

What's your favorite photo? You can vote on the People's Choice winner on their website.

Here are 21 of our favorite finalists.

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This sneaky guide dog is too pure for this world. A hilarious video proves it.

Imagine you're a guide dog: You're a dog with a job. You love your human, and you want to keep them safe and healthy. So you're working all day.

You'd need a break, a few moments that are just about you, right?

Right.

And one dog's going hilariously viral for the sneaky way he's guiding his human into his plan for treating himself. Internet, meet Danielle Sykora (human) and Thai, the goodest and craftiest Labrador/golden retriever that's done ever retrieved. (Of course, they're all good dogs, Brent.)

— (@)

After that caption, you may be asking yourself, "'Mad loyal to her otherwise?' What does that even mean?" And it's a good question — without context, the dog in that photo looks like he would never betray his human and that he could do anything he sets his mind to. He wants to fly a plane? I'd get a first-class ticket for the ride. He wants to be president? I'd vote for him. Thai wants to run the world? Beyoncé might consider allowing it. How could anyone say no to that face?

Thai's sneaky, "disloyal" behavior is so wholesome, so pure, it's about to make your whole day.

Here's the story: BuzzFeed reports that when Danielle, a college student, comes home for the weekend, she likes to go to the mall with her dad, her sister Michele, and Thai. The last time they all went shopping, Michele's dad told her to tread carefully because he was fairly certain Thai was about to walk Danielle past every other store and right into his favorite shop: a wonderland of dog toys, treats, and fine home decor aptly called Cool Dog Gear.

How did Danielle's dad know? Thai had happily done it before.

Because we live in a world where "video or it didn't happen" is the battle cry of the internet, Michele got it recorded.

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Two things.

First: Have you ever considered comic sans is probably the font that dogs think in? That sign wasn't meant for humans; it was meant for dogs. Who else would be taken in by the store name Cool Dog Gear but a retriever? (What I'm saying here is that I think dogs can read.)

Second: How cool is that? Dogs — they're just like us! When they want to shop, they want to shop! Sometimes, we all just need a bit of retail therapy.

Thai was handsomely rewarded for his subterfuge. According to Michele, with whom I connected on Twitter, whenever the pupper heads to Cool Dog Gear's treat bar, he's rewarded with a hard-earned snack. (He's done it about six times at the time of this story.)

Of course, Thai is an incredible guide dog.

Danielle told BuzzFeed that Thai is smart and full of energy. Of course, he's also a little "mischievous." According to her, Thai jumped on top of a cake only a week after he came to live with her. Yet he always keeps Danielle safe, her sister tells me.

"He has never ever put her in any type of harm," Michele says. "He is so smart. He just really likes taking her to places that have good food smells."

Isn't that all we're looking for in a friend — someone to share good food smells with? Danielle said she'd much rather have an impish guide dog, one who will take her to Starbucks because he knows she likes it (and he gets a puppuccino, of course), than one who's always perfectly behaved.

One thing's for certain, the internet loOOOoves Thai (that was my impression of a doggie howl).

After Michele's tweet went viral, people from all over chimed in with praise and their own adorable stories of service animals going just a tiny bit rogue.

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If there's one lesson Thai teaches us, it's to always act like you belong.

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Hard agree, @SarahMunozzz.

Congratulations, Thai! You've gotten a treat, made the world a better place, and even started important conversations in the Twitter comments about how people living with disabilities use social media. That deserves another trip to the mall.

You know what? Thai may even be giving this golden — who's been my favorite for years — a run for his money.

I shared this video with Michele over DM, by the way. Her response? "That is exactly what Thai would have done."