‘Tis the Season (for Pumpkins) October 26, 2025
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, kookaburra, nature, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, pumpkins, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zebu, Zoos
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My October obsession with bats and pumpkins has come to an end with today’s photo montage. Enjoy some of the Central Park Zoo animals diving into their seasonal treat. 
Central Park Zoo at 37 August 10, 2025
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: 37th anniversary, animals, baby animals, banded mongoose, big cats, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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Friday, August 8th, was the 37th anniversary of the Central Park Zoo. I am happy to say I have been associated with the zoo for the past 35 of those 37 years (that is probably how I know most of you). I thought in celebration of the wonderful animals that have crossed our paths (both past and present) I would share some of my favorite faces and photos. See how many you recognize. The zoo began in the 1860s as a menagerie. The zoo or menagerie (as it was called) started inside and around the Arsenal (built in 1848 – which now houses our WCS administrative offices and the NYC Parks Dept). 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, replacing the old-fashioned cages with naturalistic environments. Check out some great photos from the early days of the zoo. Come visit us soon and a very Happy Anniversary!
National Zookeeper Week 2025 July 20, 2025
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, grizzly bear, King Penguins, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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The third week in July is when we recognize and celebrate the dedicated zookeepers who keep our zoos and aquariums humming. Zookeeper’s faces may change from year to year but the hard work, resourcefulness and commitment remain the same. I salute you all and especially the staff at my home base, the Central Park Zoo. Thank you for allowing me to take your photos while you perform your tasks with good humor. We are open 365 days a year thru rain, snow, summer heat and all holidays.
Smashing Pumpkins October 27, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, Mr. Pepe, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, pumpkins, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, snow leopard, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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My October obsession with all things bats, birthdays and pumpkins has almost come to an end with this Sunday’s photo montage. Enjoy (with me) some fun pumpkin enrichment from this year and from the past years at the Central Park Zoo.The bottom photo is of my dog, Mr. Pepe with his small pumpkins that I call ‘Pepekins.’ 
Who doesn’t love a red panda? September 22, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, International Red Panda Day, Nashville Zoo, nature, photography, Prospect Park Zoo, Red Panda, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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Yesterday was International Red Panda Day. Their habitat is being destroyed by deforestation, agriculture, and human settlement, and they are also hunted for their fur and body parts. International Red Panda Day was initiated by the Red Panda Network in 2010 as a way to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for red pandas.It is celebrated to spread awareness about a species that is near extinction. The day was launched by the Red Panda Network in 2010. At that time, 16 schools and a few zoos participated in red panda activities. Currently, more than 60 zoos around the world participate, with over 100,000 visitors on Red Panda Day. On our many zoocations we have come across lots of red pandas with Tennessee seeming to have the most. Other than being absolutely adorable it is almost impossible to take a bad photo of a red panda.
Ya Gotta Know When to Fold ’em (Part two) July 21, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, retirement, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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As I said last Sunday, knowing when to move on is important. I share Part Two of some of my favorite Central Park Zoo photos taken over the last 35 years. I could have created 100’s more photo montages of my CPZ photos but as I said – you gotta know when to move on. Thank you for so many lovely notes, emails, texts, etc about my retirement from the zoo. They mean a lot. Enjoy!
Red, White and Zoo – 2024 July 4, 2024
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, art, cranes, Giant Panda, Gus the polar bear, Macaws, nature, NYC, photography, poison dart frog, red eyed tree frog, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, white headed duck, wildlife, Zoos
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Summer is a time for reruns. Accordingly I share last year’s July 4th post. 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. Wishing you a safe, happy holiday and keep those pets inside as most are afraid of the noisy fireworks.
Gourdness Gracious! November 5, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Daylight Savings Time, gourds, nature, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Standard time, wildlife, Zoos
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My October obsession with all things bats, birthdays and pumpkins has come to an end with this Sunday’s photo montage. Fun and enrichment was had by all species (especially me). I usually post something about our having to turn the clocks today as Daylight Savings Time ends. Here’s one from three years ago. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep. I got up earlier than usual. Sigh.
Best in Snow Memories March 5, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, grizzly bears, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
15 comments
This winter has thus far been a bust in NYC. I know it has been hard in other places that normally do not get snow but for us…meh. I do not drive and do not have to shovel, so for me, the snow is an opportunity to simply admire nature and take lots of photos of beautiful animals at the Central Park Zoo. I searched my photo archives for some of my favorite snow photos. I enjoyed my trip down memory lane and hope you do too.
My Furry Valentine February 19, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animal enrichment, animals, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Valentine's Day, wildlife, Zoos
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Valentine’s Day is my second favorite enrichment time for our Central Park Zoo animals (pumpkins are first). The keeper staff has fun creating new items for enrichment and our collection animals (and I) enjoy it very much. Hope you get a few smiles from these photos too.
While at the Zoo 