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.
WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze .
A frilled lizard appears to be belting out a tune as it sits in a tree with its mouth open wide .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
A kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
THROWING himself off 1,100ft bridges in a wheelchair, this is the PARALYSED base jumper who knows no fear .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .
