CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia. Away from modern civilization, children living in the Simien Mountains spend their gruelling days herding, or carrying, animals and walking miles through the rocky terrain. From the age of five these children are responsible for goats and sheep in the highlands and when they do rest, the boys and girls are schooled in classrooms made from mud, rocks and wood. German photographer Mario Gerth trekked 3,000 metres up the Ethiopian mountain range to visit this group of Tigray people and their hardy children and witness their unorthodox lifestyle.
SPLASHING in the water and fighting in-between rocks, these energetic tigers enjoy their fun-filled morning .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
A group of shelter dogs showcase their loveable personalities in a series of passport-style photographs - in the hope of finding their forever homes .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
Southern England, the south-west and west Wales have been warned to expect more wild weather, with heavy rain and high tides possibly leading to coastal flooding and travel disruption over the weekend .
A KITTEN'S teaparty and rat's playing dominoes are the bizarre creations by one of Britain's great eccentrics pictured in an incredible new book .