FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters. The art works entitled 'Houndton Tabby', were designed by illustrator and artist Kim Parkhurst, 39, after she combined her love of drawing and Downton Abbey. 'I've been painting portraits of animals in historical costume for some time,” explains New Yorker Kim. “I've taken some familiar and beloved characters whose demeanour, personality, and appearance seemed to translate to certain breeds of dog or cat. 'I got to thinking about Mr Bates' character and storyline, and Brendan Coyle's facial structure, and how he could look hard but also had the warmest, kindest eyes.
A diver explores the crystal clear waters of the Silfra canyon in southern Iceland, which is the only place on Earth where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates .
A proud gorilla mum welcomes her newborn baby western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
INSIDE Britain's last Naval hospital where scurvy was cured looks like an NHS time capsule .
These adorable pictures show the moment two cuddly red panda cubs take their first look at the outside world and are weighed for the very first time .
