Sunday, November 13, 2016

A day at the zoo


On Friday, my friend Sally and I went to the zoo.  I used the time to help get Sally's mind off the events that have turned her into a crying zombie since the election. 

She wanted to stop at the flamingos again, since they are the first exhibit at the zoo.

Originally, I decided if I had taken shots of zoo wildlife before, I would not do so again.

But I was soon mesmerized


and caught an X rated photo.

Seems as soon as it started, it was over and the male walked away like nothing had happened.   I promise not to comment on that.

Again, I wasn't going to take photos of any animal I had photographed before, but 

who can resist the darling giraffes?   I think they are more adorable than the elephants that have taken center stage at our zoo.



You can pay a certain amount (I think it's $3.00 USD) to feed the giraffes.  It was feeding time, but the giraffes weren't rushing over to be fed.





We had never been to the African Veldt, so it was off to visit this area.  Sally told me it was where they keep the animals if they are inside, but of course, the giraffes were out, so we didn't expect to see much inside.

Lots going on in the African section of the zoo now.

I had seen one black rhino before, but never two.








 

I soon learned why.

How fascinating, and seeing the two together (up close) was a real treat.

Outside again, I tried to get a photo of the gorillas hanging from the trees.  

I couldn't help taking one final photo of the giraffes before we left the area.

Next it was off the see the hippo.

Yes, it's a lousy shot,  but I was trying to get a moving animal behind a wall and in water.

I'm not sure the woman got a much better photo than I did.

This sculpture had been moved because the hippo exhibit is also moving.  So is the rhino exhibit.  They will take over the area where our (previously only two) elephants lived.

I'm fairly certain I've never seen the bongo before.  According to the sign (which you may have to enlarge to read) it originated in the Congo.


Yes, I've shown photos of our zebras before, but they also fascinate me.




As I was taking their photo,

something stirred in the background.

I didn't see any signs, so I'm not much help, but I've seen this animal before here at the zoo.

I also don't remember which cat this is, because I never saw a sign.

Just a shy sleeping striped cat.

I don't need a sign to know these little gems.



The last time we visited, the meercats sat still and posed.  This time, they were running around like crazy.

I was lucky to get even a few decent shots.

But this is the reason we went to the zoo on Friday.  Sally, a zoo member, read in her newsletter that there was a new baby gorilla at the zoo.

These looked

like they had been crossed with a skunk.




If only I didn't have to shoot through a wire fence.

As we crossed a bridge, I stopped and took these two photos for Valerie, who has a love for any bird or fowl.


We finally made it to the gorillas.  These sculptures are fabulous.

As we went inside (before you ask, I have no idea what those hanging things are),

I saw a lone gorilla in the distance.

I took dozens of photos, none of which were any good.  Dirty windows and glare from the lighting made it nearly impossible to get a decent shot.

I finally got one decent one, but I thought s/he looked very sad.

Next it was off to see the Okapi.   It also comes from the Congo.  A few storks shared the area.






I was so fascinated by its markings, I followed it for quite some time.


Then it was time to leave the Gorilla Forest Reserve.

As we walked out, my heart skipped a beat (or two).

If you are new to my blog, I have a "thing" for rust.  Please note.  I didn't watermark this photo, so feel free to use it in your art.  It would certainly make me happy if you did!

Our final stop was at the Tiger Trek.

Sally and I have passed this area before, but never stopped.   This day was different.


This was a popular sculpture and I had to wait until the children were finished hugging and petting it.

I'm not sure I'd want my child doing that, just in case the tiger ever got loose.

At first I didn't see it.  In fact, I was just about ready to leave when it popped its head up.

I managed two shots,

then it became a predictable cat

and turned its back on me!

While Sally visited the facility, I watched her "stroller."  It gave me time to peruse the various signage.

We have a red panda?  Well, I've never seen it.



Either our Burmese brow-antlered deer is quite young, or a female, because there are no long antlers as depicted in the drawings.

As we were about to leave the area, the leopard caught Sally's eye, so I

quickly snapped two photos.

As we prepared to leave, I had to take one final shot of the zebras.  I can't remember being so close to them before.

Finally, as we left the zoo, this statue caught my eye. It had not been here when we arrived about four hours before.  I remember getting information about these white plaster "Keeper of the Plains" statues last year.  They are similar to the "Cows" that appear in different cities around the world.  Artists in the city are allowed to apply for one.  The artists are juried, AND must pay around $1000.00 (USD) and can decorate them any way they choose.  This artist apparently chose to paint this one.  If I understood it correctly, the artist is allowed to get a sponsor to help defray the cost of the plaster cast.  There were only a certain number cast, and this is the first one I've seen.  Now that I've seen one, I'll be looking for more.

Thanks for joining me at the zoo.  It certainly lifted Sally's spirits.  This is my offering for AEDM today because it took over seven hours to sort through the photos, mark them, and load them onto this blog.  My computer is old and slow, and my internet is even slower, so I was lucky to get them all loaded tonight.


This is Day 13 of AEDM.  Thanks again for sticking with me this long.


22 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Looks like you had fun day at the zoo. My faves are the flamingos and ducks, glad the flamingos were having fun! They have a large selection of animals there. The big gorilla does indeed look sad, or bored. Thanks for the great, rusty photo, I have saved it to my collection. The 'keeper of the plains' is a good idea, hope you find more. Have a fun day, hugs, Valerie

chrissie said...

Wonderful to see more photos of the zoo Elizabeth and it looks like it was sunny day. Sorry that Sally is so sad after the election results. These things are what they are we learn to live with them when we see things don't change as much as we thought they would.

Thank you for sharing the day

Love Chrissie xx

Helen said...

You got some great shots today - love the flamingoes, glad you took some more - the reflections were great! the tiger, despite turning it's back on you is gorgeous, too. and I agree, the gorilla looks very sad.. not surprised, stuck behind bars, but better that than dead I guess.... enjoy your Sunday.

Sami said...

Loved seeing the flamingos and the giraffes! You got quite close to some of them too.
I like that "keeper of the plains" statue idea, hope you find more.
We have the "cow parade" in Perth at the moment and I was in the city today hunting for more...

Pen Sunshinepen said...

Beautiful photos of your time at the Zoo. That giraffe is so cute. And boy you have a very good memory re my blog :) hehehehe

Thanks for your visit

Crafty hugs x

froebelsternchen said...

Amazing photos ! I am really thankful that you shared all these beautiful pictures with us!
Happy Sunday dear Elizabeth!
oxo Susi

My name is Erika. said...

Wow- I didn't realize how big your zoo was and how many interesting animals live there. Wow. It is really impressive. I saw that rusty sign and it screamed you. What a great find. I expect it will be showing up soon in some art. :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs-Erika

Nancy said...

You really have a large zoo and it's well done. thanks for taking all that time to post the photos. You had lots to share!

Krisha said...

Thank you for the trip through your zoo, it looks to be a delightful place. I LOVE the giraffes too, they are so beautifully marked.

Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.com said...

You are nice to take your friend Sally out to the zoo to cheer her up -- I hope it did! The zebras are so cool. And I love that rust. Thanks for the visit!! Hugs to you both.

Jeanie said...

Flamingos and giraffes are two of my favorites. Good for you, with Sally. I think many of us need a bit of cheering -- this would be a good strategy for me, too!

Divers and Sundry said...

I always enjoy these virtual trips with you. A little lightness in these dark days is a good thing. Thx! :)

Meggymay said...

Thank you for taking me via your fantastic photos. on a visit to the zoo. I wouldn't be able to resist taking photos of the animals either.
Thank you for saying we could use the rusty photo, its great.
Yvonne xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

This really is a wonderful zoo to visit and I'm pleased that you took more giraffe and zebra photos! I can just imagine your delight at finding the old rusty sign! It's been a bit of a strange day today as I have my first real cold in years - spent a lot of the day dozing - in between sneezing fits! Hugs, Chrisx

pearshapedcrafting said...

This really is a wonderful zoo to visit and I'm pleased that you took more giraffe and zebra photos! I can just imagine your delight at finding the old rusty sign! It's been a bit of a strange day today as I have my first real cold in years - spent a lot of the day dozing - in between sneezing fits! Hugs, Chrisx

jinxxxygirl said...

Lovely photos Elizabeth! Tell Sally to cheer up... things are rarely as bad as they seem... Exactly how much did Obama accomplish?? See you for tea my dear!! Hugs! deb

Anonymous said...

Wow! So many beautiful and fascinating animals--thanks for sharing them with us!

I particularly liked the patterns in your first shot of the zebras and the positions and iridescence in your shots of the ducks.

I laughed when I read. "Seems as soon as it started, it was over and the male walked away like nothing had happened. I promise not to comment on that." Reminds me of Barbara Kingsolver's description of turkey sex in "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," a book I can heartily recommend.

Anonymous said...

P.S. I wonder if it's just the time of year when the sntler-browed deer re-grow their antlers.

Rita said...

You have got a really wonderful zoo! Love seeing al the pictures. :)

baili said...

hope Sally forgot about the election for while and loved looking at these wonderful creatures .
you captured flamingos so beautifully .closeups of rhino baby gorilla and zebras are fantastic
loved all photos you made me enjoy my time along with you dear

Carol said...

Wonderful Zoo visit ♥ Love the statue at the end and look forward to seeing more as you find them. :)

NatureFootstep said...

seem to be a great ZOO for animals and visitors. Loved to see the flamingos. They have a beautiful spot :)