A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves. The town of Coober Pedy is home to over 1,500 people, as well as hotels, restaurants and churches, all of which are located up to 100ft below ground. “Coober Pedy is renowned for its below-ground residences, called dugouts, which are used to avoid the scorching daytime heat,” says photographer Abigail Varney, who visited the unusual town, located 846km north of Adelaide.
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
FLYING through the air, these delighted pooches pull their best poses mid-flight .
A couple have tied the knot in a spectacular Harry Potter-themed wedding which cost £45,000 .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
TUGGING on the wing of his sibling, this needy owl is after some attention .
A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .
SPLASHING in the water and fighting in-between rocks, these energetic tigers enjoy their fun-filled morning .
FROM KISSING an alligator on the nose to walking over broken glass, this fearless daredevil is a real life female JACKASS .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .