Three-year-old tawny owl, found abandoned by its owner, is agoraphobic. Multi-skilled Bertie also likes to help Mr Middleton make a cup of tea – and is fond of sitting on top of the kettle. Mr Middleton said the domesticated owl, which he adopted after it was left abandoned on the ground, hates the outdoors. The domestic owl casts a watchful eye over Mr Middleton's handy work. The creature was found by the organic farmer abandoned on the ground.

Even the powerhouse of Europe has its fair share of abandoned properties and empty shop fronts as seen in these pictures of decaying buildings in Germany. Photographer Daniel Barter, 30, from London traveled Berlin and the surrounding countryside to capture buildings in need of work on film. Far from being resplendent in vintage glory, the deserted music venues and crumbling hospitals are a shadow of their former selves. German eagle motifs flake off ceilings and concert halls designed for hundreds have not seen a show for years. Photo: Lung sanatorium. (Photo by Daniel Barter/Caters News)

Yogis and street performers have been simulating levitation with nifty contraptions forever. They appear to be held aloft via nothing but their preternatural mental prowess. But are really enjoying the benefits of basic physics just like the rest of us when we use a chair. However, just because it’s perfectly explainable doesn’t mean it isn’t nifty. I’m especially impressed by this 2-person version and am still trying to work out how exactly the chair they’re using is shaped at the base.

A one-month-old wolf cub ululate as zookeeper Luo Yong plays guitar at the Chongqing Yongchuan Safari Park on March 27, 2008 in Chongqing, China. Luo has worked as a keeper in the wolf zone of the park after he graduated university. Luo has developed a special way to communicate with the wolves by trying to imitate the noises they make. He also teaches wolf cubs to ululate and some wolves will howl along when he plays guitar. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Patrick Boyle, The Earl of Glasgow and his son David, Viscount Kelburn pose at their home Kelburn Castle on August 30, 2011 in Largs, Scotland. The Earl of Glasgow has asked Historic Scotland if the graffiti can remain as a permanent feature of the Castle. The local council allowed the mural to be painted on the wall by Brazilian artists in 2007, with a three year limit put on the graffiti pending the start of rendering work at the castle.(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Horrified animal welfare groups fear baby sharks kept as a bizarre attraction in a brothel have been eaten – by the landlord. Shocking videos show the the fish crammed into an aquarium illuminated with red lights hanging above s*x works at a seedy “gentlemen's club” in, Bangkok Thailand. Five exotic black tip sharks – which can grow up to 8.5ft – float in the filthy water while holidaymakers take their pick of women in skimpy dresses. The deadly fish were just one form on entertainment employed by the establishment in the Thai capital Bangkok. (Photo by SWNS.com)

Italian artist Marcello Barenghi draws incredibly realistic everyday objects that appear almost three dimensional with the help of colored pencils and occasional enhancements using markers or watercolor. Each work appears ever so slightly stylized which I think sets these apart from similar hyperrealistic drawings that are meant to ‘trick’ a viewer. If you want to see more, Barenghi runs a YouTube channel where he documents the process of almost every drawing.

A selection of work by four photojournalists who have won grants of $10,000 and editorial support from the agency. Here: “Chasing Winter” by Katie Orlinksy. In late summer and early autumn polar bears flock to the native village of Kaktovik in the Alaskan Arctic to eat at “the boneyard” – the remains of whales annually hunted by the community. (Photo by Katie Orlinsky/Getty Images)