Adorable animal photos that will brighten up your day

Animal pictures to brighten your day

In scary times, animals can provide a comforting escape from reality. And happily, both amateur and seasoned professional photographers have been on hand over the years to capture some of their magic moments for us. These images are all from the CEWE Photo Awards which draws entries from around the world. From a camouflaged crocodile to a hilarious horse, we hope these heartwarming shots will lift your spirits as much as they have ours.

Scroll on to see a wide variety of animals being unbelievably adorable...

A penguin and its chick

Taken in the icy expanse of Antarctica, this adorable photograph captures a penguin taking care of its chick.

A dog called Freddie

If the dog pictured here, apparently called Freddie, ever releases an album as a solo recording artist, this photo gets our vote for the cover. He looks deep in thought, staring off into the distance as the breeze buffets against his ear.

Unamused puppy in the snow

Taliana Lux has captured a puppy’s first experience of snow in this sweet photo. The little furball looks thoroughly unimpressed.

A curious cat

This gorgeous image shows a cat gazing longingly into the distance. The cat’s mesmerizing green eyes with the soft light in the background makes this a truly beautiful shot.

Butterflies showing that sharing is caring

The two butterflies pictured here seem to be enjoying the nectar of a pretty pink flower together. The photo’s near symmetry makes it extra striking.

 

Meerkats on guard

The trio of meerkats shown in this image look like they’re on high alert as they keep lookout.

A bear ready to pounce

In this image taken by Doris Dörfler-Asmus, a hungry Brown bear in Alaska tries to catch some fish over a waterfall.

 

A pair of affectionate owls

Taken by Christian Mars, this adorable scene shows a pair of owls sharing what looks like a tender moment together.

Radiant Ralph

We've all been guilty of doing it, haven't we? That wacky, tongue-out face when someone's taking our picture. This fun photo of a dog getting silly will warm even the coldest of hearts. 

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A swimming snake

A snake slowly emerges from water in this incredible close-up. The light glinting in the water makes this a truly magical shot.

Two dogs looking cozy together

Two dogs huddle together under a scarf in the chilly fall forest scene.

A pigeon tries to stay warm

The pigeon pictured here looks pretty toasty, its feathers all ruffled up ready for the cold.

Two zebras showing off their stripes

This black and white image captures two zebras showing off their beautiful patterned coats.

On the lookout

Postman, long-lost family relative, an owner returning from the store; we don't know what's causing this dog to look out the window like this, but we know it's a heartwarmingly familiar scene to people who share their home with canines. 

A stunning spider web

You could easily mistake the raindrops gathered on this spider’s web for a pretty string of pearls. Michael Konrad captured this mesmerizing close-up.

A kingfisher enjoying its catch of the day

Taken by Thomas Hinsche, this perfectly timed image shows a kingfisher as it enjoys its meal.

The dog walk

If every fiber of your being is telling you that the woman, pictured here, should be running away as fast as she can, fear not. She's got two guard dogs with her. Also, and this really does feel worth mentioning, that's actually just a big mural of a dog behind her.

A horse loving the limelight

This hilarious photograph by Jane Wintersohl shows a horse enjoying its close up with the camera.

A crocodile in its natural habitat

Captured in America’s Floridian Everglades, this crocodile looks well camouflaged as it swims in the wetlands’ swampy waters.

A squirrel losing its lunch

A red squirrel reaches out after dropping its acorn from a tree branch in this classic ‘oops’ moment.

Dogs on a log

Looking like the poster for a live-action film about some pets who go on the adventure of a lifetime (think Homeward Bound), the framing of this photo, with the simultaneous sideways glances of the dogs featured, is guaranteed to make you smile.

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Now check out these incredible photos of the world from above