CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia. Away from modern civilization, children living in the Simien Mountains spend their gruelling days herding, or carrying, animals and walking miles through the rocky terrain. From the age of five these children are responsible for goats and sheep in the highlands and when they do rest, the boys and girls are schooled in classrooms made from mud, rocks and wood. German photographer Mario Gerth trekked 3,000 metres up the Ethiopian mountain range to visit this group of Tigray people and their hardy children and witness their unorthodox lifestyle.
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
A cheeky chipmunk offers some of his spare food, before deciding against the idea and shoving the extra peanut into his already crammed mouth .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .
THIS ONE of a kind experience brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'a coffee to go' .
A little brown bear cub shows his doting mum that she is always on parent duty as he uses her as a scratching post .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
A unique business in Birkenhead, Merseyside is sure to leave you HALF-CUT with its unusual pub and barbers combination .