It Didn’t Rain on Our Parade November 27, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Baby Yoda, Balloons, floats, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC, photography
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The 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade went on without a hitch. The wind was calm, the temperature better than it has been in the past few years and it was live, not virtual as was last year’s parade. I got there early (as usual) and found a perfect seat in the top row of the bleachers. The top row has a back so body aches were kept at a minimum. The toughest part of waiting is the waiting. Over two long hours go by and the crowd will cheer at anything that goes by…flying pigeons, bomb sniffing dogs or whatever crosses our path. I also got to meet and chat with some of the lovely people waiting with me. The week before the parade I read a bunch of articles about the Parade’s early days. This was my favorite . By the time Santa shows up (he is the last float) all of the people around me had gone home. They could not take the cold. One of my mantras is ’there is no bad weather…just bad clothing choices.’ I had lots of layers on, including silk liners, a big ol’ hat, my mask and, hand warmers. I had fun. Hope your Thanksgiving was yummy. Enjoy!
A Walk in the Woods November 21, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, photography, raptors, rehabiliated raptors, travel, Vermont, VINS, wildlife
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I am a city gal. The country frightens me. A good friend of mine (thanks Bonnie) coined the phrase ‘Outside begins with OW.’ I am much more comfortable walking the concrete canyons of NYC than the forests or woods. However, on a recent trip to visit friends in New England we drove up to Vermont to visit the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS.) It is a non-profit environmental education organization based in Quiche, Vermont. Its mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and, avian wildlife rehabilitation. It was a wonderful experience seeing their raptor collection, education center and beautiful, very accessible, forest canopy walk. Am I a convert to the country? No – but every now and then it is good for the soul to get outside of one’s comfort zone. 
The Summit November 14, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: NYC, NYC view, Observation deck, One Vanderbilt, photography, The Summit
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All I can say is WOW! I have been to all of the observation decks NYC has to offer and this one was the best. Designed by Snøhetta, One Vanderbilt’s Summit stretches across floors 91 through 93 at the 1,401-foot-tall tower and offers incredible views across a 65,000-square-foot multi-level entertainment venue about 1,000 feet in the air. I enjoyed this experience with my friend Robyn even though we both suffer from a fear of heights. Together we braved the experience and even dared to edge out onto the area where there is seemingly no floor below you. There are three price ranges for this timed ticket, vaccinated experience. We chose the middle price which allowed us to go into the small elevator on the outside of the building. If you go – be alerted that the sun can be blinding. They give out sunglasses if you do not have any. You also have to wear booties so as not to mar the see thru floors. I definitely will return. It was great fun. Here is a fun review for you. 
Pumped for Pumpkins November 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, Pumpkin enrichment, pumpkins, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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My October obsession with all things bats and pumpkins has come to an end with last Sunday’s adult photo session at the Central Park Zoo. Fun and enrichment was had by all species. I usually post something about our having to turn the clocks today as Daylight Savings Time ends. If you enjoyed those posts – here is the one from last year. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep.
Calling all Chiropterologists October 31, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Bats, Chiropterologist, flying mammals, nature, NYC, photography
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Someone who studies bats (the flying mammal) is a Chiropterologist. I often refer to October as ‘Batober.’ I love bats and am fascinated by them. The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, which is Greek for “hand wing.” That’s because bats have four long fingers and a thumb, each connected to the next by a thin layer of skin. Sadly bats are much maligned and feared. Here are 10 reasons you should love bats. The photo above is of course the gang that lives with me at Casa Lobo. Mr. Pepe and the rest of the gang wish you all a very safe and candylicious Holloween.
Trick or Treat October 24, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, chelsea, Halloween, halloween decorations, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, pumpkins, upper east side
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Anyone that knows me is aware that this is my favorite time of the year. Pumpkins, apple crisp, candy, costumes, decorations, cooler temperatures, and lots of fun. A shout out to my pal Robyn for alerting me to some of the best decorated places in Manhattan. I have been wandering the streets of the upper East Side and Chelsea to see these houses. Along the way I have had the opportunity of meeting the people who put up the decorations and chatting with them. Anyone that says that New Yorkers aren’t nice and fun – is plain crazy. Maybe next year I will venture off the island to visit some of the other boroughs. And finally – next Sunday, Halloween, is the Central Park Zoo’s first adult photo session since COVID. There are a few slots left so come join us for some pumpkin fun. Click here to sign up here. 
Who Are You Wearing? October 17, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, Brooklyn Museum, Chirstian Dior, Fashion, NYC, photography
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Anyone who knows me is aware that I am not a fashionista. I pretty much wear the same thing all the time. Jeans (blue or black) and a black top (short sleeves in summer and turtleneck all winter). It is my uniform and has been since high school. I never had any interest in fashion, clothing, styles or trends. When offered the opportunity to go to this exhibit with dear friends I was neither excited nor unexcited. But I was so very wrong. It is one of the best exhibits I have seen in a long time. It is theater, color, style, mirrors, glamour, glitz, history, and more. You can find out all you need to know about the exhibit, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams here. The exhibit runs thru February 20. Run (down that runway), don’t walk to see it. You will need a timed ticket. Definitely worth the trip to Brooklyn (borough of my youth). 
A Return to the Beardsley Zoo October 10, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, AZA, beardsley zoo, nature, photography, Photography Workshop, wildlife, Zoos
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I got the opportunity to return to the Beardsley Zoo with some good friends this week. I had not been there since 2013. There have been many terrific changes to the facility. The zoo is located in a park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed our NY’s Central Park and Prospect Park). It is Connecticut’s only AZA accredited zoo. If you get a chance, I highly recommend a visit. The bottom photo of a snow monkey with a pumpkin is not from the Beardsley Zoo but is an oldie but goodie from one of my photo sessions at the Central Park Zoo. We are holding our first photo session since COVID on Halloween day. Click here to sign up for some pumpkin fun. 
Buried Treasure October 3, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, New York Public Library, NYC, NYPL, photography, Polonsky Exhibition
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For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. Now, for the first time, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in their collection. The exhibition is broken up into nine distinct sections: Beginnings, Performance, Explorations, Fortitude, The Written Word, The Visual World, Childhood, Belief, and New York City. It is a trip through history, both local and global, and there is something for everyone – young, old and in-between. The exhibition will be changing to highlight more of their treasures and to make sure that the light sensitive material is preserved. You will need a free timed ticket and proof of vaccination. It is well worth your time. I know that I will return. This article highlights some of the treasures you will see. 
Showstoppers September 26, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Broadway, Central Park Zoo, costumes, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, Showstopppers
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A shout out to Irina and Trevor for alerting me to this fun, colorful and informative temporary exhibit about the costumes of Broadway. Showstoppers is all about the amazing costumes and artistry that goes into creating, designing and making these fabulous costumes. If you love sequins, glitz and fabulous design this exhibit is for you. The exhibit has been extended through Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, there are still some spaces left in my Halloween photo session at the Central Park Zoo. Click here to sign up and join our pumpkin fun. 
While at the Zoo 