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.
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
ROLLING up snow in its tiny paws, this little squirrel is looking for a snowball fight .
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
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 .
Hot on the heels of a little rabbit, this cheetah is on a mission to catch his prey .
BEAUTIFULLY lit by the dim glow of lanterns, a cave in Iceland is transformed into the perfect wedding venue .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
A pair of BEAUTIFUL rescue sea turtles spot their catch in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .