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. Poor Victoria was so ravaged by cancer that she had torn off her own ears by the time she was discovered wandering the streets by a passer-by distraught at her obvious plight. At first it was thought she had been mauled by a dog but on closer inspection by a vet it became clear the pain of the tumours had been so severe the little black and white cat had made a desperate bid to escape the agony. Victoria was found walking the streets of Newent, Gloucs., and handed over to charity workers at the New Start Cat Rescue Centre who took her in and paid for an operation on her ears. It is costing them thousands of pounds to rehabilitate her but volunteers there say the affectionate feline deserves a new chance at life..
A pair of adorable polar bear cubs play-fight with each other in the Alaskan snow .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
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 .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - FUNKY BUMP: FROM MIRROR bellies to rainbow bumps these pregnancy casts of stone and bronze could be the funkiest way to preserve your bump for posterity .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
A floating market in Indonesia is bursting with vibrant colours as wooden rowing boats loaded with fruit and vegetables crowd the river .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .