A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The magnificent mammals swim up to several boats full of tourists and get so close that the passengers can stroke the mother and baby whale. The special moment was photographed by lawyer Andrea Izzotti, 47, of Genovia, Italy. Andrea says: “The mother was milking her calf in shallow waters, but they are very curious animals and they came up to our boats to see the humans.
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
AN ARRAY of colours, from pinks to blues and oranges, fill the night sky to create an amazing collection of interstellar patterns .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
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 .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
STEPFORD wives from the 1950's and 60's are performing history's most sexist exercise programme .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .