Mamma Mia May 9, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Happy Mother's Day, nature, photography, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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My mother was born in 1918 during the Spanish Flu pandemic. I wonder what she would have to say about what we all are living thru today because of COVID19. I want to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all to all of the mothers, caregivers, nurturers, pamperers, surrogates and loving coddlers out there regardless of how you celebrate the day during these unusual times. Our mother, Lillian Wolfe, is long gone, but her advice, warnings and general ‘Lili-isms’ live on in our daily lives. She taught us to laugh at life, to think, to question authority, to march, to protest – to fight the good fight. She also gave us our moral compass – one glance from Lillian told us instantly whether our behavior was acceptable or not – and I got a lot of glances. My sister Terry and I remember many childhood events differently but we both agree that our mother was a pistol. Here’s to Lillian Wolfe – she formed and informed what we are today. 
A Return to Turtleback Zoo May 2, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, New jersey, photography, Turtleback Zoo, wildlife, zoo babies
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Last Saturday had a few firsts for me. It was the first time I left NYC in 14 months. It was the first time I was in a car in 14 months. It was the first time I ate inside a restaurant in 14 months. That may not sound exciting to you but for me…it was a grand treat. We ventured to West Orange NJ to visit the Turtleback Zoo. We had not been to the zoo since 2014 and it has changed quite a bit. In 2016 they added a three acre African Safari and recently added a bald eagle exhibit. We had a great day out and I look forward to more adventures in the future. 
World Penguin Day April 25, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Antarctica, baby animals, Falklands, nature, photography, South Georgia, wildlife, world penguin day
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Today is World Penguin Day. I set aside what I was going to post this week to celebrate these charming animals. They surely deserve more than one day of celebration. I was lucky to take the trip of a lifetime in 2005 to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia. It was fun to look at our trip through my old photos. I selected some to share with you today. I hope they bring a smile to your face. 
Tip Toe thru the Tulips April 18, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: nature, NYC, photography, Tulips
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Spring has definitely sprung in NYC. Walking around the city you cannot help but notice the tulips that are everywhere. There are over 150 different species in the Tulipa genus, with over 3,000 different varieties registered to date and more to come as plant breeders continue creating new hybrids. Lots of information about tulips here. If you haven’t heard of tulip mania in the 17th century here is more fascinating stuff. There was even a movie made about the tulip wars. 
Sunrise from the Empire State Building April 11, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Empire State Building, king kong, NYC, photography, sunrise, Views
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Now that we are all venturing out as we get vaccinated it is time to make up for the lost COVID year. Fresh from my adventure to the Edge a few weeks ago we decided to go to the 86th floor and watch the sun rise from atop the Empire State Building. it is amazing that this iconic building was completed in just 13 months. I hadn’t been to the ESB since I was a kid and my buddy, Amy had never been – so off we went. I was not expecting the most fabulous sunrise (as long as we did not have fog I would be happy). The city is quiet on a Saturday morning and it was great watching the hints of light and color on the horizon. If was a wonderful experience (if you don’t count that fact that I forgot to put the battery in my SLR camera). All of today’s photos were taken with my iPhone. If you can get up early you might consider trying this unique, fun adventure. Before departing the venue you should visit the second floor which is filled with history, interactive exhibits and of course – King Kong.
Spring at the Queens Zoo April 4, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, NYC, photography, Queens Zoo, wildlife, Zoos
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I haven’t visited the Queens Zoo since the summer of 2019. Luckily, a work assignment brought me back this past week and it was definitely worth the trip. The Queens Zoo is an 18-acre zoo located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The zoo features animals from the Americas, ranging from the American bison to the South American Andean bear. I had a fun visit and will not let so much time pass before my return.
Splash into Spring March 28, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, sea lion, snow leopard, wildlife, Zoos
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Spring arrived in NYC to the delight of millions this week. Friday was a record breaking 75 degrees. It felt really good. I captured some of our beautiful animals as I walked about my home base, the Central Park Zoo. I hesitated to buy some plants for my patio as the warning about frosts happening in the next few weeks is still out there. Keep washing those hands and I hope when it is your turn you will get vaccinated. A Zissen Pesach (Happy Passover) to one and all. Enjoy! 
The Edge March 21, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: NYC, photography, The Edge
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I have been taking baby steps out into the city these past few weeks since being fully vaccinated. Went to a movie, a museum and also to the Edge. ‘The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere located at 30 Hudson Yards, with a one-of-a-kind design. It’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views you can’t get anywhere else. Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor, lean out over the city on angled glass walls and even sip champagne in the sky’. Truth be told I am not a big fan of ledges, edges and heights but I find myself in these high places despite feeling dizzy and somewhat nauseated. Oh what we do for a photo op. This attraction opened just a few days prior to the shutdown in March of 2020. Glad it is now open and encourage you to visit. Speaking of heights…five years ago we went to One World Observatory And two years ago we had a delicious BBQ in the sky. 
A Timely Post March 14, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Clocks, Daylight Savings Time, NYC, photography
5 comments
It is that time of year again. We spring forward and lose an hour’s sleep. Here are a few tidbits about the history of why we change our clocks twice a year. My good friend Mary, who was raised in Arizona, hates when we change the clocks. Only Arizona and Hawaii stick with one time all year round. Did you know both China and India have only one time zone? I don’t have an opinion about changing the clocks – I just love clocks. I have more clocks in my house than I need but I like looking at them. And by the way – I am never late. Here’s a fun article about them and the man who changes some of the clocks in NYC.
Tropical Respite March 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Tropic zone, wildlife, Zoos
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Yes I love taking photos of animals in the snow but I admit to sometimes being very cold and often cannot feel my fingers to snap a photo. So I decided to spend some quality time this week in the Central Park Zoo’s tropic zone to mend these aching old bones. And what a delight it has been. Enjoy these warm photos.
