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.
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
A photographer has captured spellbinding images of stars swirling above the English countryside .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
A once bustling gold rush town in Mono County, California now stands completed deserted .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .