Jon and Phyllis are visiting family in Kansas City. They both love zoos and have sent us some photos of their most recent trip to the Kansas . Phyllis noted that it is always interesting to see how zoos differ. She would know!
I had to smile when I saw this one. "Exit stage left!"
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. Lovely photos and of animals we don't typically see at our Phoenix Zee.
I love going to Bearizona! And, what better way than with friends? In a snowstorm! We got there and hopped on a bus for a tour through the open area. The bus is THE way to go. There are no windows so photographic opportunities are much better than when you drive around in a car (with bear and wolf areas requiring closed windows). In a good snowstorm, however, you can count on wind and snowflakes affecting your efforts. So, am happy to tell you that Rick was really up to this challenge! If this blog looks a bit lopsided with his images it is because he managed to get shots that the rest of us just could not get.
At one point on the bus tour the snow was moving sideways in the wind through the bus! Cameras had snowflakes all over them and lens could not be kept dry! It was cold!
The bus driver explained that donkeys have a stripe across their shoulders as a sign of blessing because they carried Virgin Mary when other animals refused.
In spring many of the animals are shedding their winter coats.
That white object behind the peacock is a female who is easily ignoring all the display!
Barbara is our 'detail' queen. Where did she see these lovelies? I have no idea.
There are lots of babies right now at Bearizona. These are the baby bears that were just put out for public viewing..
In all my visits to Bearizona, this is the first time I have seen this fox up and active. A great photo model, he actually stood still some of the time!
We did not stay as long as I would have liked. We were all cold. Even the delicious hot chocolate sold at the concession stand could not warm us up. We will go back. There is a lot of growth happening at Bearizona. A new building is going in that will house a larger gift shop, have interactive areas, a restaurant, and a large room for classes. If you have not visited Bearizona, or been to Williams recently, you might consider adding that to your list of places to go. Highly recommended.
Gorgeous day. Slow walking. Lots of sitting and chatting under shade.
The highlight of this trip was stopping by the orangutans. There is a new kid on the block!! His name is Daniel and he was born in April, 2006 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It appears his slow introduction to his new home is complete and he seemed very comfortable in the company of Kasih, the eight year-old female! Barbara got the light just perfectly and you can see the very beginning of the cheeks that he will develop as he matures.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/15 at 135mm with a Canon EOS Rebel SL1.
Bess was sunning and protecting herself with a palm frond.
ISO 800, f/8, 1/1000 at 116mm with a Canon EOS Rebel SL1.
We checked on the pink-back pelicans. The babies are all grown up and swimming. Once again we learned that if you get to the zoo around the middle of the day there are not so many great photo opportunities as most of the animals are inactive.
The monkeys are usually still out at noon, however.
ISO 800, f/4.5, 1/320 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.
ISO 200, f/8, 1/320 at 235mm with Canon Rebel EOS SL1.
By then we were ready to take a hint from the animals. We walked to a shaded area and had lunch.
Then, a duck ambled by . . . Three cameras grabbed!!!
ISO 400, f/8, 1/640 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.
The birds near the shade kept us busy for a bit. We can be a funny desperate group!!!
ISO 800, f/8, -0.5EV, 1/500 at 140mm with Nikon D7000 and 70-300mm Nikkor lens.
Hey, these aren't your ordinary webbed feet. "I swim in style!"
ISO 400, f/8, 1/160 at 120mm with Nikon D800 and 24-120mm Nikkor lens.
Flamingoes are always ready to squak and pose. Tom says this image is either cute or creepy. You be the judge!
ISO 140, f/5.6, 1/750 at 300mm with Nikon D700 and 70-300 Nikkor lens.
We were carefully watched as we walked towards the exit.
ISO 800, f/14, 1/4000 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.
We left the zoo and headed for Tempe Lake. Stay tuned.