A SMILEY GECKO SHEDS ITS SKIN AS HEATWAVE HITS BRITAIN

STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin. Using his mouth to peel away each paper-like layer of skin, the 30cm reptile appears to be grinning as he prepares for the hot weather. The bright-eyed gecko, named Cuillin, spent four hours shedding his skin and ate each piece as he freed himself one limb at a time. Watching her pet gecko in amazement, Angi Wallace, 47, of Newcastle upon Tyne photographed Cuillin as he broke free from his onesie-like layer.

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BRITISH KINGFISHER SPLASH

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STABBED BY SON

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PLAYFUL ELEPHANTS MAKE A SPLASH

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CLIMBING BEAR CUB

BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .

FREEZING MANATEES STRUGGLE TO STAY WARM

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WOOLWICH MURDER OF BRITISH SOLDIER

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PLAYFUL OWL PLAYS HIDE AND SEEK

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BIKINI DIVER SWIMS WITH SHARKS

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PEEK-A-BOO FISH: BRIT SNAPPER MAKES RARE FIND

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BABY WHALE AND MOTHER LAP UP TOURIST ATTENTION

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