Sssssssshhhhhh he's trying to read: As China prepares for the year of the snake pictures show a zoo owner's remarkable relationship with the creatures

As China prepares to welcome in the year of the snake, pictures have been published showing one zoo owner in the Philippines who has an extraordinarily close relationship with the creatures.

In the images Emmanuel Tangco, who owns the Malabon zoo in Malabon, Metro Manila, is pictured covered in the snakes while reading a book and lying on his bed.

In another image he is shown holding in the animals in a pool at the zoo as onlookers photograph him.

2013 is the Year of the Snake and it begins officially on February 10th, shortly after the New moon in Aquarius.

Zoos across the world are planning events celebrating the animal, with Oregon zoo, for example, offering ‘up-close encounters with various snakes’.

A number of events are taking place in London to mark the coming of the new year, the day will start with a parade in Trafalgar Square at 10am moving through Soho to arrive at Rupert St at 11am.

There will also be a traditional 'Dotting Of The Eye' ceremony at Trafalgar Square which will feature a large dragon and lion puppets.

The day will end at 5.55pm when a spectacular firework display is set to close the celebrations.