A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .

A family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .

A tiny puppy who lost his front legs after being hit by a train has been given and new LEASH of life with a set of wheels .

Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .

LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .

This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .

FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .

LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .

BURSTING from the water, a beautiful but deadly Sumatran tiger jumps for food in an Indonesian zoo .

Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .

FOR most people, spending a night locked up in a cell would be undesirable .

A group of shelter dogs showcase their loveable personalities in a series of passport-style photographs - in the hope of finding their forever homes .