Smithsonian’s National Zoo July 3, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Bao Bao, Bei Bei, GIant Pandas, photography, Smithsonian's National Zoo, travel, Washington DC, zoo babies, zoocation
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Washington is a great place to visit and no visit is complete without dropping by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The grounds open at 8AM and getting there early is a good idea. We were able to spend quality time admiring their four giant pandas – Tian Tian (male, age 19), Mei Xiang (female, age 18), Bao Bao (female, almost 3) and little Bei Bei (male, almost one year old). We learned their orangutan is pregnant and due in the fall and we missed the birth of their first sea lion pup in 32 years by only one day (darn it). It was a fun visit and a hearty shout out to Keeper Ashton for spending a generous amount of time with us. We will be back.
Staten Island Zoo’s 80th Anniversary June 26, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Marc Valitutto, photography, Staten Island Zoo, zoo babies, zoocation
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It was a bittersweet visit to the Staten Island Zoo as we said farewell to our dear friend, General Curator and Veterinarian, Marc Valitutto last week. Marc has done amazing things in his four and a half year tenure at the zoo. The collection has grown in both numbers and depth as has the zoo’s attendance. I have visited Marc eight times in these past years in all kinds of weather and have always had a wonderful up-close and personal visit. I have had the joy of introducing Marc and his collection to many friends who now also call him their friend. I wish him well in his new venture and will miss him and our visits terribly.
If any of you want to relive some of those fun visits you can click away on any of the following links. Fall at the Staten Island Zoo, March at the Staten Island Zoo, Part Two, Staten Island Zoo, May 2014, Staten Island Zoo in Summer, September at the Staten Island Zoo, Winter at the Staten Island Zoo, Summer 2015 at the Staten Island Zoo, Meet AJ the baby Tamandua, Part Two.
Happy Father’s Day – 2016 June 19, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Happy Father's Day, photography, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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While most caregivers in the animal kingdom are mothers, there are some father’s who join in the role as caregiver. I salute all of those father’s out there in today’s photo montage. Not uncoincidentally – it is also National Martini Day. 
The Tracy Aviary June 12, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Andean Condor, photography, Salt Lake City, Tracy Aviary, wildlife, zoocation
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The final visit on our Colorado/Utah Zoocation 2016 was to the terrific Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. It is an eight acre facility located in beautiful Liberty Park. We had an exceptional visit and a unique walk with their Andean Condor, named Andy N Condor. We also thoroughly enjoyed their delightful bird show, got to meet some wonderful keepers and amazing birds. A huge shout out to Executive Director Tim Brown for arranging everything and to Lead Keeper Fred Kromm and Curator of Bird Programs, Helen Dishaw for making this a very memorable experience. If you are in Salt Lake City this place is a must.
Hogle Zoo June 5, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Hogle Zoo, lion cubs, photography, Salt Lake City, Titi monkey baby, travel, zoo babies, zoocation
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The penultimate zoo on our Colorado/Utah Zoocation 2016 was the beautiful 42 acre Hogle Zoo located in Salt Lake City. A special highlight was being able to see their three adorable lion cubs born on February 27, 2016. A shout out to Director Craig Dinsmore, Asst. Director Christina Castellano and Creative Services Director Jay Weston for our pre-opening tour. A delightful zoo in an amazing setting.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo May 29, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, photography, travel, wildlife, zoo babies
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Zoo #3 on our Colorado and Utah 2016 Zoocation was amazing. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is literally built on the side of a mountain at 6800 ft. A special shout out to Director Bob Chastain and Patty Mussone, Bob’s Executive Assistant for making this visit so very memorable. We were treated like royalty and got to spend much of the visit driven in a golf cart which truly helped my bum knee. Cherished memories include up-close visits with their grizzly bears, an elephant feed, a vulture feed, hanging out with their 15 giraffes, their red river hog family, lions, hippos, penguins and so much more. Amazing!
Pueblo Zoo May 22, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, Colorado, Mumford the lion cub, photography, Pueblo Zoo, Takin baby, travel, zoo babies, zoocation
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Zoo #2 on Zoocation 2016 was the delightful Pueblo Zoo. One of our visits’ highlights was the adorable lion cub, Mumford, born on January 13 2016 and the sweet Takin baby. The zoo’s winding paths had a surprise around every corner and Lemur Island was especially charming. A special shout out to Executive Director Abbie Krause for her welcoming greetings and zoo tips.
Denver Zoo May 15, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Denver Zoo, photography, travel, zoo babies, zoocation
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Zoocation 2016 began last week as we landed in Denver and it was snowing. Oh dear, we packed the wrong clothes. By the time we made it through the Denver Zoo gates the next morning, the temperature soared to the 70’s (it was that kind of week). It was a great day and a beautiful zoo. The zoo has a varied collection, good sightlines, and who can complain after seeing a gorilla baby, bongo baby and young lions? A shout out to Brad Parks for steering us in the right direction while touring the zoo.
Philadelphia Zoo – Spring 2016 April 30, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, Philadelphia Zoo, photography, Tony the Rhino, Tree Top Trails, wildlife, Zoo360, zoocation
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The Philadelphia Zoo is one of my favorite zoos. I love their collection of amazing animals many of whom you can see playing and running or just sitting above your head in their Tree Top Trails and Zoo 360 animal exploration trails. It is a concept that is enriching for both the animals and the visitor. A special shout out to friends Sheila and Jerry (and Tony the rhino) who made this visit even more memorable.
Toledo Zoo April 24, 2016
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: photography, polar bear cub, Toledo Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoo babies
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It is bittersweet when zoo friends depart NYC for new adventures elsewhere – but the good news is that I get to visit them wherever they go. So our recent impromptu mini zoocation saw us return to see old friends again at the Toledo Zoo. This zoo always has new things to see. Thanks to Jeff, Terry, Randi, Andy, John, Juan and Chuck for their time and generosity. Our visit was most memorable – and we will be back.
While at the Zoo 