It’s Snow Time! February 14, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Brooklyn, nature, NYC, photography, Prospect Park Zoo, Zoos
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NYC finally is remembering what winter is supposed to be like. In February alone we have had about 25 inches and it is only the 14th. I am lucky that I do not have to shovel or drive in the snow – but I do a lot of walking and that can be treacherous. That said – I do love the snow. It is pretty and it makes the City quieter. I was lucky to have photo assignments for the past two weeks at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo, As most of you know – that is my childhood zoo so each visit brings back a flood of memories. Enjoy some of the images I captured on my past two visits. I have not forgotten Valentine’s Day but my usual animal photos to recognize this loving day will be somewhat belated. Keep washing those hands. Socially distance and please wear a mask. Spring is about 30 days away. 
Year of the Ox February 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Chinese Zodiac, nature, photography, wildlife, Year of the Ox
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2021 is a Year of the Ox, starting on February 12th, 2021 (Chinese lunar New Year Day) and lasting until January 31st, 2022. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. I am the Year of the Monkey. Put simply, an ox (or oxen if you’re talking about more than one), is any cattle over four years of age that has been trained to do work. Most often they are steers (castrated male cattle). Here are six more ‘Years’ for you to peruse. 2019 Year of the Pig – 2018 Year of the Dog – 2017 Year of the Rooster –2016 Year of the Monkey –2013 Year of the Snake. I am Year of the Monkey. Keep washing those hands, wearing a mask and social distance please. 
Monkey See, Monkey Do January 31, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: baby animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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Monkey see, monkey do is a saying that appeared in American culture in the early 1920s. The saying refers to the learning of a process without an understanding of why it works. Another definition implies the act of imitation, usually with limited knowledge and/or concern for the consequences. The Central Park Zoo Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) are an example of behavior that is mimicked by the youngsters as they watch their elders. Most of these photos have been pulled from my archives of photos. I miss those rambunctious snow monkey babies. Stay safe, wash those hands and socially distance please. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us.
Big Cats in the Big City January 24, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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I am often asked which animal is my favorite to photograph. My standard answer is ‘the last one I photographed.’ But truth be told…I adore taking photos of the Central Park Zoo snow leopards. It is difficult to take a bad shot of them. They are regal, elegant, graceful and gorgeous. Nothing beats watching them after a New York City snowfall. Enjoy today’s kitty montage of snow leopards past and present. If you want to know more about snow leopards click here. Continue to stay safe, wash those hands and social distance. I await the next NYC snowfall perhaps on Tuesday. 
The Birds January 10, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Birds, Central Park Zoo, National Bird Day, nature, NYC, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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Last Tuesday, January fifth was National Bird Day. The craziness of this week in DC overshadowed this avian observance. I managed some of my own anxiety by spending early morning hours with the birds at the Central Park Zoo. Their lovely songs, cooing and chirping calmed my soul. So I wondered why the term ‘for the birds’ is a negative one. The expression means worthless, useless, ridiculous or foolish. I categorically disagree. These beautiful birds calmed me down this week so I salute them with this photo montage. Please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands and socially distance. 
Good Riddance to 2020 January 3, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, nature, NYC, photography, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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This wraps up 17 years of my sending out these Sunday (mostly zoo) montages. By my calculations that’s about 850 photo montages. Oh my! Thanks for coming along for the ride. I think some of you have been with me for the entire 17 years. I am thankful for that. I am not going to harp on what a crappy year this has been – no need to go over what we all have experienced. This was the first year since 2005 that we have not gone on any zoocations. We had one planned for March – but then everything came to a halt. I am hopeful that within six months our lives will somewhat return to normal and zoocations will commence once again. That said – I leave you as always with no ‘ifs, just ends and butts’.
Snow Day at the Central Park Zoo December 20, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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We had about eight to 10 inches of snow fall in Central Park on Wednesday and Thursday. I LOVE snow days mostly because I do not have to shovel nor do I drive. It is a great opportunity to take photos of beautiful animals enjoying the cold weather. I admit that after four hours of picture taking I was very cold and a bit achy but it was all worth it. Enjoy these photos and come visit us at the zoo. You will need a timed ticket but it is worth it to make a plan. Stay safe, wash those hands and socially distance please. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. 
Yellow December 6, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, NYC, photography, wildlife, Yellow, zoocation, Zoos
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Last week I featured the primary color RED and the week before the primary color BLUE . I wrap up my salute to the three primary colors this week with the color YELLOW. It was a fun three week project. I have a few other new themes rolling around in my brain.
RED November 29, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Birds, frogs, nature, photography, Red animals, Red Panda, Zoos
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Last week I featured extraordinary BLUE animals. RED is a primary color too. This week’s salute is to many of the amazing animals that have red in their coats, skin or feathers. Hope your Thanksgiving week has been yummy and safe. I know that ours was. Keep doing the right thing by wearing your mask, washing your hands and holding off those hugs until after we all get the vaccine. Enjoy RED!
Pumpkin Fun at the Central Park Zoo October 25, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Zoos
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One of the best things about this time of year are pumpkins. I normally run a public before hours photo session at the Central Park Zoo featuring pumpkin enrichment for our animals. Like most everything else the session was cancelled this year due to COVID19. I decided to go ahead with the enrichment and thanks to CPZ’s amazing staff we pulled it off. We dismissed with carving and just gave the animals whole pumpkins. It was fun, colorful and enriching for them, the staff and me. If you are a pumpkin nut like me – here’s a trip down memory lane from some of the other pumpkinpalooza events. 2019’s Hello Gourd-geous – 2018’s Pumpkinfest – 2017’s Pumpkin’s a Plenty – 2016’s Pumpkinpalooza. There’s more – but you get the idea. Here’s hoping that next year we are back to ‘normal’ times and we can have a pumpkin photo session again. Please stay safe, wear a mask and social distance. Enjoy the pumpkins. 
While at the Zoo 