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.
A young otter wades through a lake with his eyes set on an older rival’s fish .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
LINED up one by one on a deer’s back, these little birds give their wings a break as they catch a ride across London .
AN ITALIAN mechanic has created the world’s most ferocious mini-car .
A young orangutan comes over all shy as she hides her face behind a broken bucket .
A toddler has shrugged off death an incredible 10 times thanks to his parents who revive him with the kiss of life every two weeks .
SITTING quietly at the edge of the lake, these two baby bears watch and learn as the adults hunt for fish .
POPE MOBBED BY THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN RIO - Thousands of worshippers gather to celebrate the Papal visit on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .