Meet Dolly the high-wire hamster... who hauls herself back onto the tightrope when she takes a tumble.

A high-wire hamster who loves to show off her circus skills almost came a cropper when she slipped off a tightrope in the middle of a routine.

　　Dolly's delightful trick could have ended in trauma as the cute critter misplaced a paw. But, teetering on the edge, she managed to haul herself up to finish off her routine.

　　Luckily she was only inches from the ground, and would not have suffered injury had she taken a tumble.

　　These adorable photographs were taken by keen photographer Mirko Waltermann, 37, at his home in Hamm, Germany.

He said: "Dolly is very curious and funny - she likes to play and hang on the rope for a couple of minutes or so at a time before having a break and starting all over again.She really enjoys performing for us and I'm pretty sure she is showing off. She likes to be the centre of attention.My daughter Lara has had her for three years now and she doesn't seem to be slowing down, if anything it is harder to get her off it.As much as she loves it though I think her favourite trick is to hide somewhere so all the family has to search for her."