SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner. After swooping down from a branch to catch its prey, the owl safely hands over a field mouse to his family in their nest. The breathtaking photographs were captured by Italian photographer Jacopo Rigotti, 24, after he spent weeks photographing the majestic birds in South Tyrol, Italy. “My home is surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains and I am always in close contact with many species of owls,” says Jacopo, of Trentino, Italy.
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
From foster care to the MAGICAL world of cosplay, a young girl’s dreams become reality after being adopted by a photography loving couple .
WELCOME to the Temple of Zoom where you can “experience” sliding down a Mayan temple into shark infested waters .
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
ALL IS not as it seems in these deceptive cityscapes .