Pumpkin-Fest at the Central Park Zoo November 4, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Grizzly bears Betty and Veronica, nature, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Zoos
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I admit it. One of my favorite days of the year at the Central Park Zoo is Pumpkin Sunday. ‘You get a pumpkin and you get a pumpkin and…’ Our photo workshop last Sunday was a big hit with some very happy photographers, enriched animals, delighted zookeepers and zoo visitors. This was the first in a series of three photography workshops. The next one features hearts, valentines and lots of love. You can sign up here if interested. 
Happy 30th Anniversary to the Central Park Zoo August 5, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: 30th anniversary, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, Zoos
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This Wednesday (8.8.18) will be the 30th anniversary of the Central Park Zoo. I am happy to say I have been associated with the zoo for the past 28 of those 30 years (that is probably how I know most of you). The zoo began in the 1860s as a menagerie. The zoo was modified in 1934 as part of the WPA with the addition of many new buildings arranged in a quadrangle around the sea lion pool. In a contract with NYC, the zoo was completely renovated in the mid-1980s and with much fanfare, reopened on August 8th, 1988. The photo above shows then Mayor Ed Koch throwing a fish to Finn, one of our sea lions, during the opening ceremony. Some of you old timers might recognize some of the faces in this photo. Happy Anniversary!
National Zoo Keeper Week July 14, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week, NYC, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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The third week in July is National Zookeeper Week. I appreciate these terrific people all year long and dedicate this week’s photo montage to the 18 Zookeepers who make everything hum at my home base, the Central Park Zoo. I thank you, one and all, for all you do – the unsung heroes – each and every day. We are open 365 days a year, thru rain, snow, summer heat and all holidays. National Zookeeper Week starts tomorrow. How about if you go to a zoo this week tell a zookeeper how much they are appreciated? 
Happy Jack-iversary July 8, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Audrey and Roberta, NYC, NYC dogs, One-eyed Jack the Dog, photography
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Year two with Jack was just as good as year one except for some worrisome health challenges. When you adopt a senior dog you have to expect some glitches along the way but you are never really prepared. This year Jack lost an eye (hence his new name, One-eyed Jack). I also learned the word ‘enucleation.’ It was scary but he pulled through like a champ and seems to be unaware of any changes. The good news is that he always seems to be winking at me. He also suffered from pancreatitis and had to spend three nights at the vet’s office. But once again he came through better than ever. Other than his waking up time (which is 4:41AM) he is a perfect dog. He is sweet, friendly and gets along with other dogs, kids, neighbors and strangers. My two cats, Audrey and Roberta adore him. They snuggle up to him and watch him as he sleeps (and snores). I am looking forward to year three with One-eyed Jack. I lucked out when I rescued him and hope he feels the same way too. I encourage you to adopt, not shop for a pet and if you are so inclined, a senior pet is a true gift.
Red, White and Zoo July 1, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, red, white and blue, whote and zoo, Zoos
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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. Most of the animals depicted were taken at my home base, the Central Park Zoo. Obvious exclusions are the giant panda, cassowary (above) and the arctic fox (although we used to house that species) and the red-eyed tree frog (taken at the Prospect Park Zoo). Hope you all have a very safe and happy Fourth of July.
Georgia O’keeffe at the New York Botanical Garden June 16, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, flowers, Georgia O'keeffe, nature, NYBG, NYC, photography, travel
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We spent a delightful day at the NYBG where 17 rarely seen Hawaiian paintings by Georgia O’keeffe are on display. The Conservatory is adorned with flowers and plants from Hawaii that influenced these works. The show is on thru October 28th and I encourage you to visit. Don’t miss the short video and of course the paintings (in the Mertz Library) which explains why she went and how she was inspired by the islands. 
June at the Bronx Zoo June 10, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Bronx Zoo, NYC, photography, zoo babies, Zoos
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An abbreviated visit to the Bronx Zoo this week found wonderful treasures wherever we went. Seeing old friends during the visit made it even more special. We did not get to see everything but we will return soon.
Prospect Park Zoo May 27, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Brooklyn, Dingo, NYC, photography, Zoos
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I had another chance to spend the day working at the Prospect Park Zoo this week. The zoo looks beautiful and the collection animals active. Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo was the zoo of my childhood and whenever I visit I get a few fond flashbacks. On this visit, I remembered there was an elephant named ‘Judy’ – so I googled it. Oh dear – sometimes, the outcome of a google search is not very good news. But, it was a long time ago and zoos were very different back then. My memory of Judy the elephant still remains sweet. Go visit!
Spring Has Sprung May 20, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: nature, NYC, photography, Zoos
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Spring has finally really sprung (if you don’t mind all of the rain we have had) in New York City. The Central Park Zoo looks especially lush and beautiful. My favorite flowers and trees are in season including laburnum, redbud, wisteria, allium, tulips and daffodils. Come visit.
While at the Central Park Zoo May 6, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, Cloud Rat, lemurs, NYC, photography, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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My timing was excellent this week. Not only did spring finally arrive in New York City, but I was able to return to work after 10 weeks of shoulder recovery and physical therapy (ouch). The animals, the welcoming staff, the spring flowers and blossoming trees were music to my ears and subjects to be photographed. Enjoy this week’s photos.
