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.
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
Hot on the heels of a little rabbit, this cheetah is on a mission to catch his prey .
THIS ONE of a kind experience brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'a coffee to go' .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
WITH his spiked ears and yellow and blue body, a colourful monkey bears an uncanny resemblance to Marvel Comics’ Wolverine .
SAILING over crystal clear waters, the Bajau people of Malaysia live their lives almost entirely at SEA .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
At first glance what might look like ordinary rusty bridge and road railings, are in fact amazing works of art .