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.
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
A disabled sheep is enjoying a new fleece of life after receiving a specially-designed wheelchair .
From a platter of finger licking chicken wings to a bowl of Chinese noodle soup, these foodie snaps are enough to make your savoury saliva glands drool .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
A tiny puppy who lost his front legs after being hit by a train has been given and new LEASH of life with a set of wheels .
Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .
POWERFUL bolts of lightning illuminate the night sky in an incredible autumn storm over the Sardinian coastline .
FLYING through the air, these delighted pooches pull their best poses mid-flight .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
