PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds. Clearly not bothered by their uncomfortable onlooker, the owls pucker up and put on a very public display of affection. This trio of Little Owls were photographed by Uzbek photographer Ilia Shalamaev, 36, after he spotted the scene on a trip to the town of Kiryat Gat, Israel. “Here you can see a family of owls playing and having fun on a branch, not far from their nesting place,” says Ilia, now of Beit Hashmonay, Israel.
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
An American black bear mimics John Travolta’s famous Saturday Night Fever dance move by hurling its arm in the air .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .
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 .