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No ‘if’s – Just Ends and Butts – 2019 December 29, 2019

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 It has been another good photo year for new faces, places and spaces.  Thank you for coming along for the ride. I celebrate the end of my 16th year of Sunday photo montages, and following tradition, I leave you with with no ‘ifs,’ – just ends and butts. Below is a list of some of the places that we have visited in 2019. We have not plotted out our 2020 zoocation but are looking forward to more zoos next year and wishing you all a very Happy Zoo Year!
 National Zoo, NY Aquarium, The Orchid Show, Aquarium of the Bay,
Philadelphia Zoo, Oakland Zoo, NYC Pride Parade, Potawatomi Zoo, Toledo Zoo,
Queens Zoo, Boogie Down Bronx Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium,
BBQ in the Sky, Oregon Zoo, Northwest Trek, Pt Defiance Zoo, Oregon Coast Aq,
SF Zoo, Macys Parade. 

The Cloisters December 22, 2019

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One of my favorite places in NYC is the Metropolitan Museum’s Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. I try to make my way at least once a year. Our visit took place on a rainy, foggy, misty day which made for an even more special atmosphere. Not being able to see more than a few feet in front of us allowed our imaginations to soar thinking about the Romanesque and Gothic origins of this European structure and treasures. Yes the Cloisters sits in upper Manhattan but it is really a world away. After our visit a short walk took us to the delightful New Leaf Cafe in Fort Tryon Park for lunch.
 Still wondering what to get that certain someone who loves animals and taking photos? Check out these two photo opportunities at the Central Park Zoo.

Prospect Park Zoo – Winter 2019 December 15, 2019

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 I had the pleasure of spending a few days in the past month at the Prospect Park Zoo. As some of you know – this was the zoo of my childhood so it holds a very special place in my heart. I googled Prospect Park Zoo and got some interesting history facts here. Please visit if you can while their two red panda cubs are still young and you might also get to see their week old baby boy Hamadryas baboon.
 Can’t decide what to get that special somebody on your holiday list? How about buying tickets to one of Central Park Zoo’s photo sessions. Check them out here:

Zoocation 2019 ends with the San Francisco Zoo December 8, 2019

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The 9th and final stop on Zoocation 2019 was the always enjoyable San Francisco Zoo. My good friend and Co-Director of Animal Care Dom Dorsa greeted us and spent quality time showing us all of the new things that are happening at the zoo. I have been coming to SF Zoo for the past 20 years and it feels like a very comfortable second home. Thanks Dom for spending time with us. We will be returning soon.
 My friend and photographer extraordinaire, Mary Schwalm has created a new desk calendar for 2019. Happy to report she has eliminated the plastic holder and it is now a self-contained earth friendly multi-purpose calendar. For a sneak peek and also information on how to order yours click here.
 Lastly, our two photo sessions are now ‘live’ on the Central Park Zoo’s website. The February session will feature Valentine animal enrichment fun. The spring session (spending on the arrival of spring) will feature seasonal animal enrichment. Sessions fill up quickly. Sign up here.

A MIghty Windy Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade December 1, 2019

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I was lucky to be able to score six bleacher tickets for the parade. Prior to the parade the local weather forecasters were predicting dire circumstances for the balloons. Would they fly or wouldn’t they fly? Turns out they did fly (sort of). Most of the balloons were horizontal and it was very tricky to try to contain them. Kudos to the balloon handlers for generally keeping them afloat. My family loved the parade despite the cold, the wind and the two hour wait before it began. Hope you had a warm, cozy, yummy Thanksgiving with family and friends – I know we did.

Oakland Zoo November 24, 2019

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Our penultimate stop on 2019 Zoocation was the always terrific Oakland Zoo. I have been visiting this facility for the past 20 years when my niece moved to the west coast. It has grown and only gotten more enjoyable with each visit. A big shout out to Chantal for arranging our visit and to docent Guy for a fun filled tour of the California trail. We spent a lot of time watching their bears play in the water and also spotting their litter of wolf pups. The views are amazing from the top of the facility. If you are on the west coast I encourage you to visit.

Wildlife Safari November 17, 2019

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Stop #7 on our 2019 Pacific Northwest Zoocation was Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. Truth be told, it was to be a very long travel day and we needed a place to stop, see some animals and perhaps get out of the car. We got a bit of both at this 600 acre AZA facility founded in 1972 by Frank Hart. There are over 500 animals from all over the world with a very successful cheetah breeding program. We were one of only a few cars at the facility so traffic surely was not a concern. The weather continued to be damp and drizzly. We always make the best of our zoo adventures and this was no exception. Next stop – California.

Oregon Coast Aquarium November 10, 2019

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 2019 Pacific Northwest Zoocation continues with stop #6, the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Sorry for the delay in posting photos of this terrific facility but Howl-o-ween,  Bats, and Pumpkins took priority in October. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is in Newport, Oregon. It opened in 1992. The facility sits on 23 acres along the very beautiful Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean. A giant shout out to Sally Compton, Communications and Marketing Manager for greeting us early and giving us a fabulous tour and jelly fish experience. First time we ever touched a jelly fish. Very cool indeed. If you find yourself in the area, I encourage a visit.

Hello Gourd-geous! November 3, 2019

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Last Sunday was our photo class featuring, of course, pumpkins at the Central Park Zoo. An enormous shout out to the courageous photographers who braved the soaker of a day. The rains came and came and came. We persisted and had lots of fun. The animals seemed to have as much fun as the photographers which made the weather tolerable (almost). Enjoy! Look to this space for the announcement of our next Sunday photo class in February featuring…hearts.

Batty for Bats October 31, 2019

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 I could not let October pass by without my annual salute to bats. Have a sweet, safe, fun Halloween.