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.
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
FROM a Kung-Fu professional to a mini incredible hulk, these are the babies you wouldn't want to mess with .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
A group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
A young otter wades through a lake with his eyes set on an older rival’s fish .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .