WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze. Bathing in the hot springs, he looks right at home as he indulges in a bit of me time. This calm monkey was captured by Edinburgh photographer Chris Rush, 26, while visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan. “These photographs capture one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever encountered,” says Chris, originally of Newcastle.
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
A frilled lizard appears to be belting out a tune as it sits in a tree with its mouth open wide .
WITH A STERN look of determination on their faces, these adorable pooches perfect their doggy paddle as they dive head first into a swimming pool .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .
