Splash into Spring March 28, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, sea lion, snow leopard, wildlife, Zoos
7 comments
Spring arrived in NYC to the delight of millions this week. Friday was a record breaking 75 degrees. It felt really good. I captured some of our beautiful animals as I walked about my home base, the Central Park Zoo. I hesitated to buy some plants for my patio as the warning about frosts happening in the next few weeks is still out there. Keep washing those hands and I hope when it is your turn you will get vaccinated. A Zissen Pesach (Happy Passover) to one and all. Enjoy! 
Best in Snow February 21, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Red Panda, Sea Ducks, sea lion, snow leopard, Zoos
11 comments
This week’s NYC two-day weather event brought enough snow to make this month the eighth snowiest February on record. We are expecting more snow tomorrow too. As I have stated before, I do not drive and do not have to shovel, so for me, the snow is an opportunity to admire nature and take lots of photos of beautiful animals at the Central Park Zoo. Enjoy these ‘Best in Snow’ beauties.
Big Cats in the Big City January 24, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
13 comments
I am often asked which animal is my favorite to photograph. My standard answer is ‘the last one I photographed.’ But truth be told…I adore taking photos of the Central Park Zoo snow leopards. It is difficult to take a bad shot of them. They are regal, elegant, graceful and gorgeous. Nothing beats watching them after a New York City snowfall. Enjoy today’s kitty montage of snow leopards past and present. If you want to know more about snow leopards click here. Continue to stay safe, wash those hands and social distance. I await the next NYC snowfall perhaps on Tuesday. 
Good Riddance to 2020 January 3, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, nature, NYC, photography, snow leopard, Snow Leopard cubs, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
25 comments
This wraps up 17 years of my sending out these Sunday (mostly zoo) montages. By my calculations that’s about 850 photo montages. Oh my! Thanks for coming along for the ride. I think some of you have been with me for the entire 17 years. I am thankful for that. I am not going to harp on what a crappy year this has been – no need to go over what we all have experienced. This was the first year since 2005 that we have not gone on any zoocations. We had one planned for March – but then everything came to a halt. I am hopeful that within six months our lives will somewhat return to normal and zoocations will commence once again. That said – I leave you as always with no ‘ifs, just ends and butts’.
Snow Day at the Central Park Zoo December 20, 2020
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
15 comments
We had about eight to 10 inches of snow fall in Central Park on Wednesday and Thursday. I LOVE snow days mostly because I do not have to shovel nor do I drive. It is a great opportunity to take photos of beautiful animals enjoying the cold weather. I admit that after four hours of picture taking I was very cold and a bit achy but it was all worth it. Enjoy these photos and come visit us at the zoo. You will need a timed ticket but it is worth it to make a plan. Stay safe, wash those hands and socially distance please. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. 
I Love Fall Most of All November 15, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: autumn, Central Park Zoo, photography, Sea Ducks, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Southwick's Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
12 comments
It is not a secret that I love this time of year. I like the crisp, clear air, the light and of course the changing leaves. Today’s salute to fall includes photos from my home base, the Central Park Zoo and photos from Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA. My annual October visit to New England was cancelled this year due to COVID19 so these are photos both from past visits and newer photos from the Central Park Zoo. Please remember to wear your mask, wash your hands and socially distance.
Pumpkin Fun at the Central Park Zoo October 25, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, banded mongoose, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Pumpkin enrichment, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Zoos
8 comments
One of the best things about this time of year are pumpkins. I normally run a public before hours photo session at the Central Park Zoo featuring pumpkin enrichment for our animals. Like most everything else the session was cancelled this year due to COVID19. I decided to go ahead with the enrichment and thanks to CPZ’s amazing staff we pulled it off. We dismissed with carving and just gave the animals whole pumpkins. It was fun, colorful and enriching for them, the staff and me. If you are a pumpkin nut like me – here’s a trip down memory lane from some of the other pumpkinpalooza events. 2019’s Hello Gourd-geous – 2018’s Pumpkinfest – 2017’s Pumpkin’s a Plenty – 2016’s Pumpkinpalooza. There’s more – but you get the idea. Here’s hoping that next year we are back to ‘normal’ times and we can have a pumpkin photo session again. Please stay safe, wear a mask and social distance. Enjoy the pumpkins. 
Hide and Seek May 31, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: big cats, nature, photography, Red Panda, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
13 comments
This is day 81of my being home during COVID19. Hope everyone is keeping safe and healthy. Last week my Sunday montage featured a children’s game called Duck, Duck, Goose! I am continuing the theme of Children’s games this week with another popular game, Hide and Seek. Sometimes at zoos when we approach an exhibit the animal is hard to find. If you keep looking carefully all of a sudden you finally see the animal and they have been staring at you. That also happens at home with my three cats. Enjoy!
Social Distancing in the Animal Kingdom March 15, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, COVID19, Gus the polar bear, photography, Red Panda, snow leopard, social distancing, solitary animals
8 comments
We humans are generally social creatures. Our directive to socially distance ourselves in the age of COVID19 is a challenge for many. Sometimes it brings out the best in us – and sometimes…not so much. Many other animals form similar groups, families and herds in order to protect each other, form social bonds, gather food for the group and more. Wolves, buffalo, elephants, dolphins and the great apes are all examples of animals that depend on each other and their group for survival. There are other animals that live their lives independently. These animals with an independent nature prefer traveling and living on their own. They often only find another of their kind in order to mate or to fight over territory. Here are just some of the many animals that live solitary lives. I am staying at home for the time being. I have a long list of projects that I have wanted to do and now I have a chance to do them. Stay safe and wash your hands.
Valentine Tails 2020 February 16, 2020
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animal enrichment, animals, photography, Photography Workshop, Red Panda, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, Valentine's Day, wildlife, Zoos
11 comments
Last Sunday’s photo experience at the Central Park Zoo was great. The weather was on our side and the zoo’s animal collection were ready for some Valentine treats. The animals were enriched by the different Valentine themed items placed in each of their habitats. The photographers had almost as much fun (or maybe more) as the animals. Thanks to the Central Park Zoo’s talented and creative zookeepers and managers who made this one heartfelt day.
