Main image via Mark Fitzpatrick
While swimming off the coast in Queensland, Australia, a photographer encountered a “vicious” sea turtle swimming towards him.
At a near-perfect moment, the photographer, Mark Fitzpatrick took the photo of the turtle pulling back his flippers but it looked like the feisty turtle was showing its middle finger.
The flip-off plus the turtle’s grumpy expression made for a hilarious shot which won Fitzpatrick the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award.
The photo titled “Terry The Turtle” won Fitzpatrick a safari trip in Masai Mara, Kenya, a Think Tank photography bag and a Nikon camera.
The photographer was happy with his photo and the reaction it has garnered, stating that it not only gives people a good laugh but it also helps spread an important conservation message.
“Flippers crossed that this award puts Terry in a better mood next time I see him at Lady Elliot Island,” Fitzpatrick joked in his press statement.
Congratulations Mark and Terry the Turtle.