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.
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
This tranquil setting stretches for miles as the sun sets behind the mountain .
WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
An adorable little squirrel wakes from a nap and pops out his tongue for the camera .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .
FROM a HOLLYWOOD actress to the face of an innocent child, these are incredible drawings with an unlikely twist .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .
Kevin Silva, 52 from Indiana in the USA, has spent an estimated £65K ($100K) on Batman trinkets over the years, and even keeps his 2,500-item haul in his very own basement 'Bat Cave' .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
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 .