Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg. Shaking their tail feathers dry, the seabirds take a few moments to waddle back towards the water's edge before taking the plunge again. The amusing scene was captured by photography guide David Merron as he watched the penguins from a boat near Danco Island, Antarctica.
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
A trio of ants are locked in a tug of war over a fly as they pull the bug by its legs .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
IN a galaxy not so far away lies a magical display of lights that could be the latest image from NASA .
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 .