Releasing a Red-tailed Hawk – The Raptor Trust October 6, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: barbara rosenthal, Binky Foundation, Len Soucy, nature, photography, Raptor Trust, red tailed hawk, rehabiliated raptors, wildlife
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Not a dry eye in the house as we released a rehabilitated red-tailed hawk in the memory of our dear friend, Barbara Rosenthal. Barbara remembered both the Raptor Trust and the Binky Foundation in her will and it seemed appropriate that we gather together to salute Barbara with this breath-taking release. A special shout out to Diane and Len Soucy of the Raptor Trust and to Mickey and Peter Bickford of the Binky Foundation. We know that all of her birding, opera, travel and zoo friends remember her well. Here’s to the good times.
Philadelphia Zoo – Fall 2103 September 29, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, nature, Philadelphia Zoo, photography, Snow Leopard cubs, travel, treetop trail, zoocation
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Three fun-filled days in Philadelphia this week combined art, history and of course, the Philadelphia Zoo. The weather was perfect and the zoo never disappoints. This visit introduced us to their adorable five month old snow leopard cubs and their recently completed outdoor treetop trail and great ape trail. The new KidsZoo looked like lots of fun. An easy day trip if you are coming from the NYC area. I encourage you to visit.
Toledo Zoo September 22, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Australian Croc, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, Photography Workshop, polar bear cubs, Sloth Bear, Toledo Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation
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At an invitation I could not refuse, I headed to the Toledo Zoo for a two day visit – and what a visit it was. I was fortunate to be able to visit every nook and cranny from top to bottom and experienced some lifetime memories. The 11 month old polar bear cubs were a delight and it was bittersweet to know that our Central Park Zoo‘s beloved Gus was born at the Toledo Zoo 27 years ago. The two year old baby elephant, active hippos, 17 foot long Australian crocodile, playful orangutans, baby gibbon, personality plus sloth bear, and so much more were all terrific. Works in progress include a new African Penguin habitat and a monumental and what promises to be spectacular Aquarium. Next year’s theme will be ‘flight’ and I know I will return to check it all out. I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful facility and city. A special shout out to all of the staff at the zoo including Jeff, Mary, Ron, Andy, Ilyssa, Alex and more.
Just one month form today is my Fall Photo Workshop at the Central Park Zoo. Get your camera gear (or just your phone) and come experience some fun animal action all before the zoo opens on Sunday, October 20th, from 8:30 to 10:30. Click here for my workshop and lots of other great zo opportunities for one and all.
Summer’s End at the Central Park Zoo September 15, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, Cloud Rat, nature, Patagonian Cavy Baby, photography, Photography Workshop, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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Even if it were not getting cooler you can tell summer is just about over from the number of visitors at the Central Park Zoo. We still have nice sized crowds but the summer tourist/camp group invasion is gone. Now is the perfect time to come to the zoo to see the entire collection. The penguin colony has started their seasonal molt and a new baby Patagonian Cavy can be seen at Tisch Children’s Zoo. When visiting the always active tropic zone you can meet our newest adorable resident, a Cloud Rat, in his nocturnal upstairs habitat.
Just one month from now my first Photo Workshop of the season will be held on October 20th from 8:30 to 10:30. Bring your cameras and get ready for some terrific animal activities all before the zoo opens to the general public. Click here for my workshop and many other terrific events.
Game, Set, Match – US Open September 8, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, photo class, Photography Workshop, US Open, Zoos
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I interrupt the usual Sunday zoo photos to bring you shots from the 2013 US Open where I am enjoying a 10 day stint. The action is great, the sun is hot, the rain delays are brutal, but it is a chance for me to watch other mammals strut their stuff. Oh, and yes – that is my dog Benny – prominently featured above today’s photo montage.
A reminder that my Fall Foliage Central Park Zoo Photo Workshop is October 20 from 8:30 to 10:30. I will arrange some special activities so you can get great animal shots. Check out my upcoming photo class along with many other fun things for both adults and kids.
Gus the Polar Bear – In Memorium September 1, 2013
Posted by judylobo in photography.Tags: Arctic Svarlbard, Central Park Zoo, Gus the polar bear, photography, travel, Zoos
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A picture is worth a thousand words is an apt expression for this week’s photo montage dedicated to one amazing polar bear. Gus, the polar bear who lived at the Central Park Zoo, was euthanized this week, at age 27. Inoperable cancer took him away from us – but he left us (it is said over 20 million visitors had seen Gus) with wonderful memories and stories. I was lucky enough to know Gus for 24 of his 27 years. As an ambassador to a dwindling species he (and now deceased companions, Ida and Lily) represented the polar bear with dignity, grace and beauty. He always made me smile and there was never a day at the zoo that my camera was not focused on him. I miss him already. If these few photos are not enough for you, here is a link from a photo montage that I made last February 2nd, in honor of International Polar Bear Day. In memory of Gus, we have booked a trip to Arctic Svalbard to hopefully see polar bears in the wild. Here is a video I made back in 2007 or a younger, Gus enjoying the pool. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD0Q2E3zwf8 – 4.18.2007
The Staten Island Zoo – Summer 2013 August 25, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: African porcupine, Bat-eared fox, fennec fox, marmoset, nature, photography, Staten Island Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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My friend, Marc Valitutto, is the General Curator and Veterinarian at the Staten Island Zoo. Our last visit was in April of 2012 and I was excited to see what has developed. Once again Marc gave us a fabulous tour and showed us the amazing changes he has made in this 75 year old zoo. The collection has jumped from 250 to over 350 species and continues to grow. In the fall, their two gorgeous Amur Leopards will move into a 4,500 square foot exhibit which will be three stories high – making it one of the largest exhibits in the nation. We met the zoo’s new adorable bat-eared foxes, servals, baby marmosets, and toured the new nursery, which can be viewed by the public, where we met a young fennec fox, ground hog, sloth and African porcupine. A shout out to Marc for his generosity and continuing great work. Visiting the Staten Island Zoo, which proudly calls itself ‘New York’s Biggest Little Zoo’ is a great place to visit. We went via the Staten Island Ferry which in and of itself is a great adventure.
The Summertime Yawns August 18, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, Gus the polar bear, photography, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer bring on those summer time yawns. Catching and then photographing one of the Central Park Zoo animals mid-yawn is always fun. Oh, there is one beautiful face that does not belong today – can you find him?
Summertime at the Central Park Zoo August 11, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, nature, photography, travel, vacation, wildlife, zoo animals, zoocation
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The abundance of rain has helped make our luscious zoo gardens even more beautiful this summer. The crepe myrtle are a wonderful pink as are the large hibiscus, beautiful roses and more. They make a great background to view our fabulous collection of zoo animals. Come visit.
Happy 25th Anniversary to the Central Park Zoo August 4, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: 25th anniversary, Central Park Zoo, city zoos, fall foliage, nature, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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Happy 25th anniversary to the Central Park Zoo. There has been some type of animal collection at the zoo’s present site since the 1860s , but our precious zoo celebrates its rebirth as part of WCS’ three City Zoos on August 8th. Some of our amazing animal collection (and me) have been around the whole time. Happy Anniversary to us! Come visit.
The Fall and Winter Zoo classes and workshops are available on line for you to peruse and to sign up. There are two adult photo classes (Breakfast with the Birds and a Fall Foliage workshop) and a grandparents/kids photo class running in the fall and winter. Check out my photo workshops and the array of other choices available for your family and friends. Come join the fun.
While at the Zoo 