Gourdness Gracious! November 5, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Daylight Savings Time, gourds, nature, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Standard time, wildlife, Zoos
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My October obsession with all things bats, birthdays and pumpkins has come to an end with this Sunday’s photo montage. Fun and enrichment was had by all species (especially me). I usually post something about our having to turn the clocks today as Daylight Savings Time ends. Here’s one from three years ago. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep. I got up earlier than usual. Sigh.
Come to the Bark Side October 29, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Audrey and Roberta, Benny the dog, costumes, Halloween, Mr. Pepe, NYC, Pete, photography
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Anyone that knows me is aware that this is my favorite time of the year. Pumpkins, birthdays. apple crisp, candy, costumes, decorations, cooler temperatures, and lots of fun. My furry companions get to share in my October obsession. And yes, there are many treats involved in getting into costumes. A shout out to participants past and present Mr. Pepe, Audrey, Roberta, Pete, Benny, One-eyed Jack and Madison. Happy Howl-o-ween!
Do You Look Like Your Dog? October 15, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, Audrey, baby animals, Fotografiska, Mr. Pepe, NYC, pet photography, Pete, photography, Roberta
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When I am not taking photos at my job at the Central Park Zoo or in my wanderings around NYC I take photos of my own gang at home which includes three cats and a dog. How wonderful to discover that Fotografiska (a NY branch of the Swedish photography museum) was presenting an exhibit of pet photography and its role in culture. This special space is in my neighborhood so how could I resist. As the museum states – ‘With this exhibition we want to celebrate and acknowledge our constant companions, their presence in Western art and popular culture, and our multifaceted relationship with them. We place these animals on a pedestal, and consider them from all perspectives: as life partners, status symbols, friends and family members, and as works of art’. I have included some photos of my own gang (and me). See if you can find us all. Woof!
As ye sew, so shall ye rip September 3, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Amrican Folk Art Museum, animals, art, NYC, photography, quilts, sewing
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I adore the American Folk Art Museum and never miss a show. I saw this quilt exhibit last April and encourage you to visit. It is on through October 29th. ‘What That Quilt Knows About Me explores the deeply personal and emotional power associated with the experience of making and living with quilts’. Spanning from the 19th through 21st centuries, the works on view reveal a range of poignant and sometimes unexpected biographies. From a pair of enslaved sisters in antebellum Kentucky to a convalescent British soldier during the Crimean War, the exhibition explores stories associated with both the makers and recipients of the works. 
A Wake of Vultures August 6, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, Art exhibit, Ebony Patterson, nature, NYBG, NYC, photography, vultures
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In flight, a flock of vultures is a kettle and when the birds are feeding together at a carcass, the group is called a wake. We visited NYBG https: on Friday and both enjoyed this very different and fascinating exhibition. The vultures are both inside and outside the Conservatory. Artist Ebony G. Patterson, after a year long residency at the NY Botanical Garden created for the conservatory her exhibition called “…things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…”. Patterson is the first artist-in-residence the NYBG has ever had. The vultures in the installation are a clear gesture towards the idea of death. But at the same time, Patterson explored their role within the broader ecosystem, and how by “consuming the landscape, they’re revealing things within it,” she says. They’re consuming our nature’s wounds, “as an act of care … and in doing so, they reveal other things that are hidden, so bodies become revealed.” The exhibit is on through October 22, 2023. I encourage your visit. NY Times review here 
Rock Paper Scissors July 23, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, Mueum of Art and design, National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, NYC, Paper Dresses, photography
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The Museum of Art and Design presents Generation Paper: A Fashion Phenom of the 1960s which explores the era’s short-lived phenomenon of paper fashion through more than 60 rare garments and accessories crafted from non-woven textiles. These fashions, introduced in 1966 as a promotional campaign for Scott Paper Company, combined bold, graphic design with space-age innovations in materials. Sporting patterns inspired by pop art, op art, anti-war “flower power,” and more, paper fashion’s iconic silhouettes and styles—from A-line mini dresses to bikinis—became daring demonstrations of the durability and design potential of the era’s newly developed paper-like fibers, such as rayon (a cellulose fiber), polyester, and other synthetic blends. For those that are interested here is a brief history of Paper Dresses. This exhibit is on thru August 27.
Show Some Restraint July 16, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: AKC, animals, art, Dog collars, Mr. Pepe, Museum of the Dog, NYC, photography
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The Museum of the Dog always has something interesting to see. Identity Restraint & the Art of the Dog Collar did not disappoint (although some of the collars were pretty scary.) Held in conjunction with the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, VA the exhibition brings together over 60 collars from the NSLM’s collection and 50 artworks belonging to the American Kennel Club and the AKC Museum of the Dog. The combination of the collars and artworks illustrates how they were used and evolved over several centuries. The basic design of the collar has not changed since the time of ancient Mesopotamia but variations on the collar, specifically ornamentation and style, reflect the values of the various world cultures that kept dogs. These subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, alterations to the central design can be quite telling in the role dogs played and how they were regarded in different time periods and cultures. For a brief history of the dog collar click here. This exhibit is on through September 3rd. Oh – by the way…the cutie pictured on top is my little guy, Mr. Pepe, wearing his restraint halter. Who’s a good boy?
Pride 2023 June 25, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Audrey and Roberta, Empire State Building, NYC, NYC Pride Parade, photography, Pride
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Looks like it might not rain on our NYC pride parade today – at least not all day. Happy Pride!
Snug as a Bug in a Rug June 4, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: American Museum of atural History, animals, ants, art, Bugs, butterflies, Gilder Center, Insects, nature, NYC, photography
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The American Museum of Natural History recently opened its very impressive Gilder Centar. The Gilder Center features new exhibition galleries and one-of-a-kind experiences, including an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, floor-to-ceiling collections displays, and more—and connects to the rest of the American Museum of Natural History on four floors. I admit that AMNH is not my favorite space in NYC but I found myself enjoying this visit thoroughly. We were also delighted to find a new yummy restaurant in this space. No more will one have to endure the very loud, crowded cafeteria. I suggest you enter this new space via the Columbus Avenue entrance to get the full architectural experience.
A Zoo Lovers Day April 9, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, NYC, photography, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies
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Yesterday, April 8th was Zoo Lovers Day. Since I love zoos everyday I thought I would share some of my favorite photos while at the zoo. 
While at the Zoo 