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.
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
A cheeky chipmunk offers some of his spare food, before deciding against the idea and shoving the extra peanut into his already crammed mouth .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .
WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
THIS is the EXPLOSIVE moment when a 50 metre high pylon came crashing down to earth in a rural field .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .