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Fall at the Staten Island Zoo October 13, 2013

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Binturong babyWe went to visit our friend, Marc Valitutto the General Curator and Veterinarian at the Staten Island Zoo.  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 a few weeks, 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 baby binturong, (smells like popcorn) in the new nursery, which can also be viewed by the public, where we met a young fennec fox, sloth, baby crane and African porcupine.  A shout out to Marc for his generosity and continuing great work.  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.

Upcoming fun Photo workshops  at the Central Park Zoo:

1. October 20 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Fall Foliage Series – A few spaces left in next Sunday’s guaranteed fun pumpkin/fall foliage extravaganza.
2. November 17 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Grandparents Photo Series – A fun family experience spending time with the tropic zone birds, watching them eat breakfast, taking photographs with your kid(s) .
3. November 24 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Breakfast with the Birds – Spend time with the tropic zone birds, watch them eat breakfast, photography heaven.

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Philadelphia Zoo – Fall 2103 September 29, 2013

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squirrel monkeyThree 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.

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Toledo Zoo September 22, 2013

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POLAR BEAR CUBAt 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.

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Cape May County Zoo and Park July 28, 2013

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Snow leopard mother and cubMy zoocation buddy, Mary Schwalm, was down for a quick visit so we took the opportunity to drive south to the Cape May County Zoo (a first for her and a second visit for me).  The lure of two four month old snow leopard cubs was the driving force for our three hour drive.  It was well worth the drive and it gave us many hours to catch up on things.  It was a beautiful day and the cubs were adorable.

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Central Park Zoo Summer Fun July 14, 2013

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April-fish holdThis week the Central Park Zoo introduced a pair of Titi Monkeys who can be seen upstairs in the tropic zone’s mezzanine. While you are up there do not miss the adorable, very active six baby Banded Mongooses (and their big brother). If you get too warm, cool off in the chilly Penguin House where you can find four species of penguin – Chinstrap, Gentoo, Rockhopper and King. Come visit – it’s fun!

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There’s no place like home… July 7, 2013

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Rodriguez Fruit BatIt has been a couple of months of Sundays (and occasional Wednesdays) since I have featured my home base, the Central Park Zoo.   There’s lots going on at NYC’s little gem of a zoo.  We have three Swan Goose goslings, young Patagonian Cavy twins, baby Banded Mongooses and a young Victorian Crowned Pigeon.  The usual cast of other wonderful animals includes Gus the polar bear, three acrobatic sea lions, April, Katy and Edith and the largest sea duck collection in a zoo in North America.  Come visit – There’s no place like home!

TNPLH

The Raptor Trust – June 2013 June 30, 2013

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feed meThe Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ  is a wonderful place to visit and support. Owners and operators Len and Diane Soucy hosted us last Sunday on a return visit to this amazing place.  Over the past 40 years Len has taken in, rescued, rehabilitated, released or housed as education animals over 90,000 birds. He has managed to rehabilitate and release almost half that number. Within the 14 acres there is a state-of-the-art medical facilities, quality exterior housing for several hundred birds, and an education building. My good friends who run the Binky Foundation and I plan another visit in the fall when they release a red-tailed hawk in memory of our dear departed friend, Barbara Rosenthal.

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San Francisco Zoo – June, 2013 June 23, 2013

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Magellanic Penguin ChickWhen visiting my California family we always go to the San Francisco Zoo.  Last week’s visit was extra special because Bird Curator, Dominick Dorsa was our host.  He was amazingly generous with his time and gave my family some memorable extra special zoo access.  A big shout out to Dominick and the staff at the San Francisco Zoo.

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Happy Father’s Day – 2013 June 16, 2013

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Moxie and DadA big shout out to all of the father’s in the animal kingdom! Happy Father’s Day to one and all.

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Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, Iowa May 22, 2013

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BLANKPARKPANDAZoocation Zoo #3, the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa was a delightful 22 acre surprise.  Lots of terrific habitats, including adorable baby snow monkeys, free range joeys and active marine mammals. Their Africa Savannah was not quite open due to recent flooding but when it is open the zoo will be even better.  If you are in the area – I recommend a visit.

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