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 lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
Jostling their quills into the noses of some unlucky cubs, this is the moment two feisty porcupines ALMOST defeat a pride of seven lions .
FROM KISSING an alligator on the nose to walking over broken glass, this fearless daredevil is a real life female JACKASS .
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 .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
Staring death in the face, a little field mouse bravely confronts a hungry cat .
A cheeky gorilla sticks her tongue out and plays up for the camera at Bronx Zoo .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
If you tune into primetime coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games, you’re most likely going to see London’s new Aquatic Center from many angles as athletes from all around the globe compete for the top spot on the podium .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .
A Little owl looks down the lens of a camera and gives the photographer a cheeky wink .