Tony Wu / Swimmer stroking 'Scar', a male Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) who often seems to seek out and enjoy contact with people. Caribbean, January 2010. Model released.

Axel Gomille,Axel Gomille / Goat keeper with baby and domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

Nick Upton / Girl stroking the head of a female Pygmy goat (Capra hircus) with others in the background, Wiltshire, UK, September. Model released.

Gavin Hellier / Cobbled street lined with colourful houses known as Kujundziluk, one of the oldest streets in Mostar leading to the Old Bridge, Old Town, Mostar, Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkans, 2007. No...

Carol Walker / Girl stroking donkey (Equus asinus) New Mexico, USA, September 2011, model released

Jane Burton / Young blonde haired girl playing with two Golden Retriever puppies. Model released

Karine Aigner / Tourist stroking a Spotted eagle owl (Bubo africanus) one of the owls at the Akiba Fukurou Owl Cafe in Tokyo, Japan.

Karine Aigner / Tourist stroking an Eagle owl (Bubo sp) at the Akiba Fukurou Owl Cafe, Tokyo.

Alex Mustard / Snorkeller rubbing the belly of a baby Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida, USA

Nick Upton / Samantha Pickering stroking a rescued abandoned Jackdaw chick (Corvus monedula) after feeding it, North Devon Bat Care, Barnstaple, Devon, UK, June. Model released

Nick Upton / Samanatha Pickering holding and stroking rescued abandoned Soprano pipistrelle bat pup (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) held in hand, North Devon Bat Care, Barnstaple, Devon, UK, August. Model released

Nick Upton / Samantha Pickering holding and stroking a rescued abandoned Common pipistrelle bat pup (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), North Devon Bat Care, Barnstaple, Devon, UK, August. Model released