Cheers! December 25, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, cats, Christmas, dogs, Hanukkah, NYC, photography, Santa
9 comments
Holiday time is always fun at my house. We celebrate most holidays (especially the ones that demand we wear a hat). My little gang of critters are all good sports and since today is Christmas we would like to share some of these fun moments with you from the past and present. Wishing you al a very merry and a happy. Cheers!
I ♥ New York December 19, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, artist, Milton Glaser, NYC, photography, School of Visual Arts
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Everyone knows the logo – ‘I ♥ New York’ but very few know about the genius behind the design – Milton Glaser. The School of Visual Arts on East 23rd in Manhattan is where Glaser taught for decades. They have devoted a small exhibit in his honor that runs through January 15, 2022. Glaser died in 2020 at the age of 91 and was working right up until the end of his life. He was an activist artist, a brilliant teacher and a mensch. I loved his work and miss his genius. 
A Cloistered Life December 12, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, Met Museum, Middle ages, NYC, photography, RISD, tapestry, The Cloisters, Unicorns
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When I was an art student at RISD (a very long time ago) we were required to take one art history course each semester. It was a fascinating way to learn about world history – though the art of the time. My very favorite class was a medieval art immersion. I fell in love with the iconography, the illuminated manuscripts, the history and the importance of art during those chaotic times. I had not been to the Met’s Cloisters since right before the pandemic shutdown. It was wonderful to return and see this very special place. Interested in how this magnificent space came to Manhattan? Click here: It is easy to get to and well worth your time. 
Choo Choo! December 5, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, Holiday Train Show, nature, NYBG, NYC, photography
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I like trains. Admittedly I had never been to the holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden but decided this year to do it. It is extraordinary. My socks were almost knocked off my feet. I was the first one to enter this marvelous exhibit and had most of it to myself for about 30 minutes. I was blown away by the detail and the amount of work that had gone into making this show. There are more than two dozen model trains and trolleys making their way past nearly 200 miniature NYC landmarks, all made out of natural materials like leaves, seeds, twigs, bark and acorns. The show is on until January 23rd. I know you will enjoy it and encourage you to go during the week to avoid what surely will be enormous crowds. All aboard!
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
11 comments
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
4 comments
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
14 comments
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
10 comments
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
10 comments
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
10 comments
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. 
While at the Zoo 