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.
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
POWERFUL bolts of lightning illuminate the night sky in an incredible autumn storm over the Sardinian coastline .
A floating market in Indonesia is bursting with vibrant colours as wooden rowing boats loaded with fruit and vegetables crowd the river .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
An adorable little squirrel wakes from a nap and pops out his tongue for the camera .
WITH the mystical clouds forming a thick blanket and the electrifying lights below, these stunning pictures provide a unique view of the cityscape of Dubai taken from the tallest building in the world .
A little clownfish opens its mouth to reveal a blood sucking intruder living on its tongue .
This brave Hyena finally catches his pray among the thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru, Kenya - OUTNUMBERED among thousands of flamingos, this bold hyena is not put off from hunting for a morning snack .
DIVING down at a speed of 75mph, this is the moment a hungry osprey caught his prey .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .