Most people have an angel at the top of their Christmas tree, but one bear at Chester Zoo decided he wanted to be the star of the show. Climbing right to the top of the tree, the zoo’s spectacled bear Bernardo can often be seen relaxing with his head in the clouds. Four-year-old Bernardo moved to the zoo after travelling from Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. Tim Rowlands, the zoo’s curator of mammals said: “An exchange of animals between the USA and Europe doesn’t happen very often at all, which makes Bernardo even more special to us here at the zoo.
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
A cheeky gorilla sticks her tongue out and plays up for the camera at Bronx Zoo .
An artist has transformed traditional Thanksgiving dinners into mini-masterpieces .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .
FLYING through the air, these delighted pooches pull their best poses mid-flight .
A PENSIONER was left with a fractured jaw after being beaten and robbed outside his home in Birmingham last weekend .