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.
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
Blonde teen Jess Stubbs has certainly got girl power - as Britain’s youngest TRUCKER .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .