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.
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
A Romanian photographer has captured the unique patterns of hundreds of human eyes in a series of striking macro shots .
FULL OF STUNNING colours and swirling shapes, the furrows on these fields create a mix of mesmerising patterns .
Full of tired and busy commuters, these underground stations are rarely admired for their architecture or beauty .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .
A curious red squirrel takes a break from collecting nuts and tries her hand at photography .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .