In 2008, we saw many gregarious animals showing off for the cameras, which is why we must tip our hats to the more bashful wild animals, like this Hungarian owl. (Agencies)
Conchita, the three-week-old white-naped mangabey monkey at London Zoo, was found protection in the form of an old teddy. (Agencies)
We considered giving the 'wildest animal' award to Yachan, the black belt ninja ape. (Agencies)
Then we remembered the tough hen that scared an eagle so he'd never return to eat her. (Agencies)
But our winner is Aman, the 20-year-old orangutan who had his eyesight restored after 10 years of blindness. He looked in the mirror, saw his cheeks and went ballistic! (Agencies)
The 'it thinks it's a person' award was tough call. Christmas cheer made us consider these seasonal penguins. (Agencies)
This warmly dressed simian, out for a stroll in Moscow, should have been the recipient. (Agencies)
But the winner had to be the saxophone-playing walrus. Coming to a jazz bar near you. (Agencies)
The 'creature comforts' award very nearly went to this group of Indian monkeys who found the benefits of air conditioning. (Agencies)