A manatee makes the most of his underwater guests by rolling onto his back for a belly rub. The manatee appears apprehensive at first, but he soon cosies up to the divers. The photographs were taken by marine biologist Andrew Pearson in Crystal River, Florida at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. The 32 year old photographer, of Southampton, says: ‘We spent several days snorkelling with wild manatees.
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
SWIMMING in unison, millions of silverside fish dwarf the divers .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
THIS is the awesome moment an Osprey catches its prey travelling at 50mph, giving new meaning to FAST FOOD .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .
TUGGING at his exhausted mum's ears, a beautiful baby orangutan refuses to settle for a nap as he begins a game of peek-a-boo .