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.
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
WITH a paw in the air and his tongue hanging from his mouth, it is clear to see that this little groundhog is struggling to wake up and leave behind the comfort of his burrow .
AN ARRAY of colours, from pinks to blues and oranges, fill the night sky to create an amazing collection of interstellar patterns .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured, some seriously, in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
WITH STUNNING colours and serene scenes, these photographs capture the otherworldly beauty of the English coast .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .