Spring at the Central Park Zoo April 7, 2019
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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It is really spring! Filled with flowers, great light and a zip in one’s step. Come to my final photo session at the Central Park Zoo and see these beautiful animals featured in today’s montage enjoying all of the above. The photo session is called Spring Flowers and will be from 8:30 to 10:30 on May 19, 2019 – click here to sign up. There are still a few spaces left. 
Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium March 24, 2019
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Brooklyn, nature, New York Aquarium, NYC, photography, sharks, WCS, wildlife
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The New York Aquarium is the oldest continuing operating aquarium in the US. It opened in Manhattan’s Battery Park Castle Garden in 1896. If you have ever boarded a ferry to take you to the Statue of Liberty that’s near where it was located. In 1957 it was relocated to Brooklyn’s Coney Island (and yes, I remember the opening). The Aquarium is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society which also runs four other parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo (my home base), Prospect Park Zoo and the Queens Zoo. The Aquarium was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. A small, dedicated staff remained at the facility and saved over 90% of the animals in the collection. Fast forward to this past June and the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Ocean Wonders: Sharks opened on June 30, 2018. It was time for a visit and we were not disappointed. Go visit and don’t forget to stroll down the boardwalk for some Nathan’s hot dogs and fries afterwards. Yum.
Green is Definitely the Color of the Day March 17, 2019
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, green, NYC, photography, St. Patrick's Day, Zoos
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Today is St. Patrick’s Day. It is customary to wear green clothing, shamrocks or an accessory; which is called the “wearing of the green“. Many of our Central Park Zoo animals sport green everyday. Erin go Bragh!
The Orchid Show: Singapore at NYBG March 3, 2019
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: flowers, nature, New York Botanical Garden, NYBG, NYC, Orchid Show:Singapore, Orchids, photography
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We had a terrific visit to the New York Botanical Garden on Friday. The morning snow kept just about everyone else away as we lavished in the beauty of this inspiring showcase of Singapore’s national flower. I learned that orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica. The show goes until April 28th. I encourage you to visit. The photo above is my feeble attempt at growing two orchids. They have been alive for over a year so I guess I am doing an okay job. Plus – the cats don’t eat them.
Central Park Zoo – January2019 January 6, 2019
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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It has been about three months of Sundays since I last posted a ‘while at the zoo’ about my home base, the Central Park Zoo. If you haven’t been to our zoo in a while the winter is a great time to visit. The crowds are smaller, the tropic aviary is nice and warm and the temperate animals much more active. You can combine your next visit with our upcoming photo workshop. It is called Valentine Tails and will be from 8:30 to 10:30 on February 10, 2019 (think hearts.) The workshop is filling up fast. If interested click here.
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.
