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.
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!
A Zoo Lovers Day April 9, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, NYC, photography, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies
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Yesterday, April 8th was Zoo Lovers Day. Since I love zoos everyday I thought I would share some of my favorite photos while at the zoo. 
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
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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.
Love is in the Air February 12, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, nature, photography, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, Snow Monkey, Valentine's Day, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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Happy Valentine’s Day (two days early). Lots of snuggling, kanoodling, breeding and nesting going on all over the animal world. Smooches to you all! 
Queens for a Day March 20, 2022
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Andean bear cubs, andean bears, baby animals, bison, nature, NYC, photography, Pudu, Queens Zoo, sea lion, thick-billed parrots, wildlife
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It has been almost one year since I visited the delightful 18 acre Queens Zoo. My goal was to see their adorable eight month old Andean bear cubs. I was not disappointed. The cubs were active until late morning. They got tired pretty much the same time that I did. I was charmed by the noisy but beautiful thick-billed parrots, lynx, pumas, elk, sea lions, bison, family farm and of course their pair of pudu. I encourage you to visit while these cubs are still young. You too can be Queen (or King) for a day.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball February 13, 2022
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Audrey and Roberta, Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, Grizzly bears Betty and Veronica, Gus the polar bear, kitten bowl, Mr. Pepe, NYC, photography, puppy bowl, sea lion, Super Bowl, wildlife, Zoos
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It is Super Bowl Sunday once again. Thought I would salute all sorts of balls as they are used enrichment and fun in zoos and in my home. Enjoy some fun photos this super Sunday and may your team win. That said – I am more interested in the kitten and puppy bowls. 
Winter Wonderland January 9, 2022
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
9 comments
There is something special about the first real snow fall of the season. Friday’s NYC winter wonderland only lasted a few short hours but it blanketed the city with a pristine, fluffy, white covering. I salute all of the people who have to keep the city running during this type of weather. Me? I do not drive nor do I have to shovel and I take mass transit. So I grabbed my camera and headed to my home base, the Central Park Zoo. It has been about two months since I posted CPZ photos. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Pumped for Pumpkins November 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Photography Workshop, Pumpkin enrichment, pumpkins, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
10 comments
My October obsession with all things bats and pumpkins has come to an end with last Sunday’s adult photo session at the Central Park Zoo. Fun and enrichment was had by all species. I usually post something about our having to turn the clocks today as Daylight Savings Time ends. If you enjoyed those posts – here is the one from last year. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep.
While at the Zoo 