Ya gotta know when to fold ’em (part one) July 14, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, big cats, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, retirement, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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After 35 wonderful years at the Central Park Zoo, first as a volunteer Friday Zoo Guide for 20 years and then 15 years as their photographer I decided it was time to hang up my lens. As they say ‘ya gotta know when to fold ‘em’ and seemed like the right time to retire. This blog was started 20 years ago as a way to share all of the photos I took ‘while at the zoo.’ I met many of you through my occasional weekend themed photo classes where you got special access to our collection before zoo hours and others if you worked at the the zoo. To the rest of my subscribers I thank you for being part of my Sunday posts. I already miss the amazing staff at CPZ and of course miss our beautiful collection of animals. Am I going to continue this blog? Absolutely! Will I keep going to zoos? Most definitely! Today’s montage is Part One of some of my favorite photos I took over those years (past and present). I hope you stay along for the ride and my next chapter in life. 
Indigenous Art July 7, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, Art exhibit, Cass Gilbert, Indigenous people, Musuem of the American Indian, Native American, NYC, photography, Smithsonian
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I took a three mile walk south via Broadway to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. I haven’t been to that beautiful building (formerly the Custom House designed by Cass Gilbert in 1907) in a very long time. A diverse and multifaceted cultural and educational enterprise, the National Museum of the American Indian is an active and visible component of the Smithsonian. The Museum cares for one of the world’s most expansive collection of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs and archives covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The bottom four photos are contemporary pieces seen in a wonderful display on the ground floor. I highly recommend a visit. It is free and open daily from 10 to 5.
Red, White and Zoo – 2024 July 4, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, cranes, Giant Panda, Gus the polar bear, Macaws, nature, NYC, photography, poison dart frog, red eyed tree frog, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, white headed duck, wildlife, Zoos
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Summer is a time for reruns. Accordingly I share last year’s July 4th post. This was a fun montage to create. I didn’t realize how many animals could be included in this red, white and blue themed photo montage. Wishing you a safe, happy holiday and keep those pets inside as most are afraid of the noisy fireworks.
NYC Pride – 2024 June 30, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Audrey and Roberta, Empire State Building, Mr. Pepe, NYC, NYC Pride Parade, parades, photography, rainbow
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My NYC apartment has a perfect view of the beginning of the annual Pride Parade. It is always festive, colorful fun and very loud. Hope everyone enjoys the day wherever you are. Stay safe and have fun. My little gang has gone all out this year in colors of the rainbow.
Doggie Couture June 23, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, Art exhibit, Benny the dog, Doggie Couture, Fashionable Dogs, Mr. Pepe, Museum of the Dog, NYC, photography
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Truth be told, the title photo is not of one of the designer doggies in the current exhibit at the Museum of the Dog. It is my handsome little guy, Mr. Pepe. I thought he was classy enough to be in this fun exhibit – so I added him to today’s photo montage.The pop-up display, Canine Couture: An Exhibition of Anthony Rubio Designs, showcases the dog fashion that debuted at this year’s Pet Gala on May 20, 2024. Inspired by the hottest designs at fashion’s biggest events, Rubio recreates the looks taking them from outfits for humans to fashions for our four-legged friends. This exhibit is only thru July 7, 2024. Woof!
Daddy’s Home June 16, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Daddy's Home, Father's Day, nature, NYC, photography, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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While most caregivers in the animal kingdom are mothers, there are some fathers who join in the role as caregiver. I salute some of those fathers out there in today’s photo montage. Coincidentally – tomorrow is also National Martini Day. Why not celebrate that special day today? 
Curiouser and Curiouser June 9, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Alice in Wonderland, animals, art, Art exhibit, flowers, horticulture, nature, NYBG, NYC, photography
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`Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice as she entered the magical world in that rich story so long ago. The New York Botanical Garden creates a fun, beautiful and whimsical trip down Alice’s rabbit hole throughout the garden, Mertz Library and the Haupt Conservatory. Inside the Haupt Conservatory, discover thousands of vibrant flowers in imaginative horticultural displays that highlight the lush, blooming gardens of the Victorian era. Then dive deeper into Alice’s world in the Library—you’ll learn about the novel’s historical context and modern interpretations, including the stories of mind-altering plants, which were much-studied during the Victorian era and continue to be the subjects of cutting-edge scientific research today. The Victorian period in which Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) was first published was a time of exploration and wonder that some might call mad. Age of Wonder shows you the era’s impact on this timeless story, with original manuscripts, illustrations, and rare first-edition printings of Alice. This exhibition is on through the end of October.
The Awe of the Arctic June 2, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Arctic Svarlbard, Art exhibit, New York Public Library, NYC, photography, The Awe of the Arctic, travel
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The New York Public Library on 5th Avenue has a wonderful exhibit on the main floor and third floor that explores the wonder and awe of the Arctic. For centuries, what lies above the Arctic Circle has been a source of intrigue and fascination for those who live below its border. Stories from the ancient Greeks mixed with Norse mythology and reports from early voyages gave rise to lively and creative conceptions of ice-free waters and a fabled people who lived at the top of the world. Whether as woodcuts, engravings, lithographs, photographs, halftones, or digital prints, these images continue to captivate. This exhibit is on through July 13. Today’s montage features vintage images of the Arctic and art through contemporary eyes. I was lucky to venture to the arctic in 2014. Here are three links to my photos from that wonderful trip. The Arctic Landscape and Land of the Ice Bear and finally Land of the Midnight Sun. 
To all the Mothers, Madres, Maters, Mutters, Mayan et al May 12, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Mother and baby, Mother's Day, nature, photography, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, zoo babies, Zoos
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A very Happy Mother’s Day to all to all of the mothers, caregivers, nurturers, pamperers, surrogates and loving coddlers out there. 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 and all of the other mothers out there who formed and informed what we all are today. 
Animales del Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, axolotl, baby animals, Caiman, Chachalaca, Chihuahuas, coati, Gila monster, Harpy Eagle, Howler monkey, iguana, Jaguar, Manatee, Mexican fruit bat, Mexican wolf, Monarch butterfly, nature, Ocelot, photography, Quetzal, Rattlesnake, Scarlet macaw, Spider monkey, Tamandua, wildlife
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Cinco de Mayo is a big holiday in Mexico. I thought I would share my photos of some of the many animals that come from Mexico. A small sample today includes Harpy Eagle, Jaguar, Mexican wolf, axolotl, Spider monkey, Howler monkey, Ocelot, Scarlet macaw, Iguana, Rattlesnake, Quetzal, Manatee, Monarch butterfly, Coati, Tamandua, Chachalaca, Caiman, Mexican fruit bat, Gila monster and of course Mr. Pepe my adorable senior chihuahua. ARRIBA!
While at the Zoo 