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
8 comments
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 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
2 comments
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
2 comments
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
5 comments
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.
National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week July 21, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week, nature, photography, wildlife, zoo keepers, zoocation
7 comments
The third week in July is National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week. I appreciate these terrific people all year long and dedicate this week’s photo montage to the 18 people who make everything great at my zoo, the Central Park Zoo. I thank you, one and all, for all you do – the unsung heroes – each and every day. If you go to a zoo this week, please say ‘thanks’ to a zoo keeper when you see one. Let’s hear it for ALL of the hard working, dedicated Zoo Keepers out there.
Central Park Zoo Summer Fun July 14, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, sea lion, Titi Monkeys, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation, Zoos
4 comments
This 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!
There’s no place like home… July 7, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, Gus the polar bear, nature, NYC, photography, Sea Ducks, sea lion, travel, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation
5 comments
It 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!
You’ve Got to Have Friends April 28, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, Madsion the cat, photography, term friendship, wildlife, zoocation
7 comments
While at the zoo you can easily see many species hanging out with one another for mostly breeding purposes. But every so often interesting alliances are formed. At the Central Park Zoo, where all of today’s photos were taken, we have a few odd friendships that have developed. Is it for comfort? Is it for Safety? I am not sure – but you can check out a few of those bonds in today’s montage. At Casa Lobo, Benny the dog and Madison the cat have developed a relationship that is cautious, yet leery. Check out their photo at the bottom of todays post.
Watch Larry the Anole and Beemer the Dog share a long term friendship on the beautiful island of St Croix – taped in 2008.
Lastly, my zoocation buddy, Mary Schwalm and I are off on an adventure next week. Six new zoos. Be back soon.
A Much Needed Dose of Cute April 21, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, photography, wildlife, Zoos
9 comments
This past week was filled with many bad, sad and depressing news stories. I thought that everyone could use a Sunday ‘dose of cute’. Hope these photos (all taken at the Central Park Zoo) put that smile back on your face.
To add to your smile factor, check out a recent photo of Benny the dog, below today’s montage, with his favorite (albeit shredded) toy, Mr. Koala.
Yum! April 14, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: animals eating, Central Park Zoo, herbivore, nature, photography, wildlife, zoo
4 comments
Zoo visitors love to watch the animals eat. Why? Maybe it is a shared connection or a chance to watch them doing what every sentient creature on earth does. Whether the animal is an omnivore, herbivore or carnivore we like to watch them eat. All of today’s photos were taken at the Central Park Zoo. If you have not seen this hilarious video about animals eating – check it out here:
While at the Zoo 