A Return to Turtleback Zoo May 2, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, New jersey, photography, Turtleback Zoo, wildlife, zoo babies
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Last Saturday had a few firsts for me. It was the first time I left NYC in 14 months. It was the first time I was in a car in 14 months. It was the first time I ate inside a restaurant in 14 months. That may not sound exciting to you but for me…it was a grand treat. We ventured to West Orange NJ to visit the Turtleback Zoo. We had not been to the zoo since 2014 and it has changed quite a bit. In 2016 they added a three acre African Safari and recently added a bald eagle exhibit. We had a great day out and I look forward to more adventures in the future. 
World Penguin Day April 25, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Antarctica, baby animals, Falklands, nature, photography, South Georgia, wildlife, world penguin day
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Today is World Penguin Day. I set aside what I was going to post this week to celebrate these charming animals. They surely deserve more than one day of celebration. I was lucky to take the trip of a lifetime in 2005 to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia. It was fun to look at our trip through my old photos. I selected some to share with you today. I hope they bring a smile to your face. 
Spring at the Queens Zoo April 4, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, nature, NYC, photography, Queens Zoo, wildlife, Zoos
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I haven’t visited the Queens Zoo since the summer of 2019. Luckily, a work assignment brought me back this past week and it was definitely worth the trip. The Queens Zoo is an 18-acre zoo located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The zoo features animals from the Americas, ranging from the American bison to the South American Andean bear. I had a fun visit and will not let so much time pass before my return.
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
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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! 
Tropical Respite March 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Tropic zone, wildlife, Zoos
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Yes I love taking photos of animals in the snow but I admit to sometimes being very cold and often cannot feel my fingers to snap a photo. So I decided to spend some quality time this week in the Central Park Zoo’s tropic zone to mend these aching old bones. And what a delight it has been. Enjoy these warm photos.
The March that Roared February 28, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, big cats, nature, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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Tomorrow is March 1st. Of course we all know the phrase ‘March come in like a lion and out like a lamb’. But did you know that almost every day in March there is some type of holiday. Some of them are silly and some noteworthy. My personal favorites are National Pig day, National Pi Day, The Ides of March, St Patrick’s Day, Earth Day, Spring Equinox and Passover which begins March 27 this year. Enjoy some of these big cats and continue to stay safe, wash those hands and mask up. Spring is coming. 
Year of the Ox February 7, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Chinese Zodiac, nature, photography, wildlife, Year of the Ox
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2021 is a Year of the Ox, starting on February 12th, 2021 (Chinese lunar New Year Day) and lasting until January 31st, 2022. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. I am the Year of the Monkey. Put simply, an ox (or oxen if you’re talking about more than one), is any cattle over four years of age that has been trained to do work. Most often they are steers (castrated male cattle). Here are six more ‘Years’ for you to peruse. 2019 Year of the Pig – 2018 Year of the Dog – 2017 Year of the Rooster –2016 Year of the Monkey –2013 Year of the Snake. I am Year of the Monkey. Keep washing those hands, wearing a mask and social distance please. 
Monkey See, Monkey Do January 31, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: baby animals, Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, Snow Monkey, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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Monkey see, monkey do is a saying that appeared in American culture in the early 1920s. The saying refers to the learning of a process without an understanding of why it works. Another definition implies the act of imitation, usually with limited knowledge and/or concern for the consequences. The Central Park Zoo Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) are an example of behavior that is mimicked by the youngsters as they watch their elders. Most of these photos have been pulled from my archives of photos. I miss those rambunctious snow monkey babies. Stay safe, wash those hands and socially distance please. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us.
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
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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. 
The Birds January 10, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Birds, Central Park Zoo, National Bird Day, nature, NYC, photography, wildlife, Zoos
16 comments
Last Tuesday, January fifth was National Bird Day. The craziness of this week in DC overshadowed this avian observance. I managed some of my own anxiety by spending early morning hours with the birds at the Central Park Zoo. Their lovely songs, cooing and chirping calmed my soul. So I wondered why the term ‘for the birds’ is a negative one. The expression means worthless, useless, ridiculous or foolish. I categorically disagree. These beautiful birds calmed me down this week so I salute them with this photo montage. Please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands and socially distance. 
While at the Zoo 