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With a protective arm around its precious baby, this gorilla apes us humans perfectly.

The touching image, and other shots of a Sumatran orangutan deep in thought and a majestic-looking lion, were captured in Melbourne Zoo , Australia.

It is part of a project by photographer Arthur Xanthopoulos to raise awareness of endangered species .

The beautiful images were taken over 18 months and the photographer hopes they will highlight the desperate plight of some of the globe's most endangered creatures.

Orangutans share a kiss, while majestic lions play fight in the wonderful series of photos.

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media) (Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

Mr Xanthopoulos told the Daily Mail: "As with my previous work, the images are also designed to showcase the 'humanism' of the great apes and in doing so help bring to the fore the plight these animals face in the wild.

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

"When people view the images, my hope is that they will see these animals as more than just animals in a zoo and take the time to understand the risks they face due to human encroachment on their habitats."

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media) (Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

And the snapper was so determined to catch the perfect images he only visited the zoo when it was cloudy to avoid glare on his shots.

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

He said: "'Melbourne zoo participates in a worldwide captive breeding program designed to curb the threat of extinction for these animals and bring to light the environmental threats.

(Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media) (Image: Arthur Xanthopoulos / Barcroft Media)

"Another reason for why I photograph these animals is to help send a message to my audience that we, as consumers, have a direct effect on the habitats of these animals, like the Sumatran orangutan, through our choice of food products with sustainable palm oil as opposed to unsustainable palm oil."

Read more:World's most endangered big cat species cheats extinction with remarkable baby boom

Looking at these snaps it’s hard not to be wild about these creatures.