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.
WITH THEIR adorable big round eyes and fluffy white fur, these baby seals are cute enough to melt any heart .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
A WIMBLEDON-mad couple will be creating a racket this summer - after installing a TENNIS COURT in their living room .
Dogs catch waves at the Coronado Bay dog surf championships Saturday 22nd June 2013- DOG SURFING mutts have never looked so gnarly .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
A SERENE turquoise glow glimmers from underneath these powerful icebergs .
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 .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .