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.
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
A young otter wades through a lake with his eyes set on an older rival’s fish .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .