Human-like monkeys, jumping bunnies, and laughing lions all feature in this year’s most striking nature photos

• A photo of strikingly human-like chimpanzees is among the most stunning images from this year’s Nature Photographer of the Year competition.
• The annual competition is presented by Dutch organization Nature Talks, and highlights the beauty of the natural world and the importance of conservation.
• Judges received more than 14,000 entries this year.
• The overall winner was Csaba Daróczi of Hungary, who snapped a picture of a pair of rabbits.
• Entries for next year’s competition open December 1.
• Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Most of us have heard how similar to humans chimpanzees can act – but it’s another thing to see it.

A photo of chimps reaching out to the camera for help has been judged as one of the most striking nature photos of the year, according to the Nature Photographer of the Year 2019 competition.

Presented by Dutch organization Nature Talks, the competition showcases the beauty of the natural world and the importance of conservation.

Seven judges sifted through about 14,000 images (a new record for the competition) from photographers in 73 different countries to award prizes across 11 categories.

The Nature Photographer of the Year prize went to Csaba Daróczi of Hungary, who snapped a perfectly-timed (and illuminated) shot of a pair of rabbits leaping high into the air.

"This photo is proof of the fact that you don't have to get extremely rare or extraordinary species in front of your camera to be able to create a great nature photo," said Keith Wilson, chair of the jury. "If you have a vision and a creative mind you can create a great shot close to home."

Here are a few of the best shots from the competition.

Nature Photographer of the Year and Black and White category winner: 'Jump' by Csaba Daroczi

Youth category winner: 'Symphony no 5' by Giacomo Redaelli

Black and White category runner up: 'Exchange wild' by Alain Ernoult

Man and Nature category winner: 'Lonely' by Luke Massey

Man and Nature category finalist; 'Help us' by Tom Svensson

Underwater category winner: 'Up in the air' by Alexey Zozulya

Mammals category finalist: 'Colorful night' by Mohammad Murad

Mammals category finalist: 'Climbing to the sweet' by José Juan Hernández

Birds category runner up: 'Golden eagle landing' by Audun Rikardsen

Birds category winner: 'Greeting the sun' by Peter Cech

Read more:

A cat named Quilty has become internet famous after he was placed in solitary confinement for helping other cats escape at a Texas shelter

Meet 'Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn,' a rescue puppy born with an extra tail on his face

19 hysterical winners from this year's Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

An awkwardly timed photo of an adorable lion cub is the funniest animal photo of 2019

Wild turkeys are terrorizing the town of Tom's River, New Jersey, by pecking at roofs, breaking windows, and attacking residents