Snow Leopard Cubs at the Central Park Zoo November 10, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: baby animals, Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, photography, Photography Workshop, Sacramento Zoo and Askai, Snow Leopard cubs, travel, wildlife, Zoos
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Two adorable snow leopard cubs made their public debut at the Central Park Zoo this week. The twins were born on June 2, 2013 and now weigh about 30 pounds each. When fully grown they can be anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds. Zoe, the mother is seven and was born at the Sacramento Zoo and Askai is six and came to us via the Bronx Zoo but was born in a zoo in Berlin, Germany. The ‘awwwwwwwwwww’ factor was loud and clear from happy visitors who came to see the cubs this week. I encourage you to drop everything and visit us as soon as you can. They grow up quickly. I dedicate this week’s photo montage to Zoe and the yet, un-named cubs. If you scroll to the bottom you can see the very handsome Askai, the cubs’ father.
For those of you that are signed up (or want to sign up – there are spaces left) for the two photo workshops at the zoo this month will get to have a few private moments with the cubs before the public runs up the hill to see them. Click here and under Family Programs you will find: Grandparents Photo Series: Breakfast with the Birds next Sunday, November 17 from 8:30 to 10:30 and under Adult Programs you will find: Photo Series: Breakfast with the Birds two weeks from today on November 24th from 8:30 to 10:30. Sign up – it’s fun and you will see these a adorable cubs for sure.
Pumpkintastic! October 27, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, enrichment, Photography Workshop, pumpkins, wildlife, Zoos
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Most of these photos were taken last Sunday at the Central Park Zoo’s photo workshop – it was a barrel of fun. Pumpkins galore! Both the animals and photographers were enriched by the experience. A special shout out to the Central Park Zoo Friday Guides and the Saturday Education crew and Interns for their excellent carving expertise. If you want some photo fun check out the host of classes coming up at the Zoo including two photo options in November.
Southwick’s Zoo – Fall 2013 October 25, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: fall foliage, Mary Schwalm, nature, photography, Southwick's Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation, Zoos
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Rounding out a leaf-tastic fun visit to New England with my zoo-cation buddy, Mary Schwalm, was a visit to the Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon MA. This autumn visit proved to be the best one ever. An abundance of color combined with having the zoo almost all to ourselves made for a fine mini-zoocation.
Franklin Park Zoo – Fall 2013 October 20, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, fall foliage, Franklin Park Zoo, nature, photography, Photography Workshop, travel, wildlife, zoocation
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Took a quick trip to New England and a mini-zoocation ensued. Lots of beautiful foliage, fabulous animals and fun friends. Off to my sold out Fall Foliage Photo Class this morning. It promises to be a pumpkin-tastic experience. Want some photo fun for yourself? Check out two more photo classes at the Central Park Zoo in November here.
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Fall at the Staten Island Zoo October 13, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Amur Leopards, baby animals, Baby Binturong, Central Park Zoo, Photography Workshop, Sloth, Staten Island Ferry, Staten Island Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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We went to visit our friend, Marc Valitutto the General Curator and Veterinarian at the Staten Island Zoo. Marc gave us a fabulous tour and showed us the amazing changes he has made in this 75 year old zoo. The collection has jumped from 250 to over 350 species and continues to grow. In a few weeks, their two gorgeous Amur Leopards will move into a 4,500 square foot exhibit which will be three stories high – making it one of the largest exhibits in the nation. We met the zoo’s new adorable baby binturong, (smells like popcorn) in the new nursery, which can also be viewed by the public, where we met a young fennec fox, sloth, baby crane and African porcupine. A shout out to Marc for his generosity and continuing great work. The Staten Island Zoo, which proudly calls itself ‘New York’s Biggest Little Zoo’ is a great place to visit. We went via the Staten Island Ferry which in and of itself is a great adventure.
Upcoming fun Photo workshops at the Central Park Zoo:
1. October 20 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Fall Foliage Series – A few spaces left in next Sunday’s guaranteed fun pumpkin/fall foliage extravaganza.
2. November 17 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Grandparents Photo Series – A fun family experience spending time with the tropic zone birds, watching them eat breakfast, taking photographs with your kid(s) .
3. November 24 – 8:30 to 10:30 – Breakfast with the Birds – Spend time with the tropic zone birds, watch them eat breakfast, photography heaven.
Releasing a Red-tailed Hawk – The Raptor Trust October 6, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: barbara rosenthal, Binky Foundation, Len Soucy, nature, photography, Raptor Trust, red tailed hawk, rehabiliated raptors, wildlife
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Not a dry eye in the house as we released a rehabilitated red-tailed hawk in the memory of our dear friend, Barbara Rosenthal. Barbara remembered both the Raptor Trust and the Binky Foundation in her will and it seemed appropriate that we gather together to salute Barbara with this breath-taking release. A special shout out to Diane and Len Soucy of the Raptor Trust and to Mickey and Peter Bickford of the Binky Foundation. We know that all of her birding, opera, travel and zoo friends remember her well. Here’s to the good times.
Toledo Zoo September 22, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Australian Croc, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, Photography Workshop, polar bear cubs, Sloth Bear, Toledo Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation
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At an invitation I could not refuse, I headed to the Toledo Zoo for a two day visit – and what a visit it was. I was fortunate to be able to visit every nook and cranny from top to bottom and experienced some lifetime memories. The 11 month old polar bear cubs were a delight and it was bittersweet to know that our Central Park Zoo‘s beloved Gus was born at the Toledo Zoo 27 years ago. The two year old baby elephant, active hippos, 17 foot long Australian crocodile, playful orangutans, baby gibbon, personality plus sloth bear, and so much more were all terrific. Works in progress include a new African Penguin habitat and a monumental and what promises to be spectacular Aquarium. Next year’s theme will be ‘flight’ and I know I will return to check it all out. I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful facility and city. A special shout out to all of the staff at the zoo including Jeff, Mary, Ron, Andy, Ilyssa, Alex and more.
Just one month form today is my Fall Photo Workshop at the Central Park Zoo. Get your camera gear (or just your phone) and come experience some fun animal action all before the zoo opens on Sunday, October 20th, from 8:30 to 10:30. Click here for my workshop and lots of other great zo opportunities for one and all.
Summer’s End at the Central Park Zoo September 15, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Central Park Zoo, Cloud Rat, nature, Patagonian Cavy Baby, photography, Photography Workshop, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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Even if it were not getting cooler you can tell summer is just about over from the number of visitors at the Central Park Zoo. We still have nice sized crowds but the summer tourist/camp group invasion is gone. Now is the perfect time to come to the zoo to see the entire collection. The penguin colony has started their seasonal molt and a new baby Patagonian Cavy can be seen at Tisch Children’s Zoo. When visiting the always active tropic zone you can meet our newest adorable resident, a Cloud Rat, in his nocturnal upstairs habitat.
Just one month from now my first Photo Workshop of the season will be held on October 20th from 8:30 to 10:30. Bring your cameras and get ready for some terrific animal activities all before the zoo opens to the general public. Click here for my workshop and many other terrific events.
The Staten Island Zoo – Summer 2013 August 25, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: African porcupine, Bat-eared fox, fennec fox, marmoset, nature, photography, Staten Island Zoo, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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My friend, Marc Valitutto, is the General Curator and Veterinarian at the Staten Island Zoo. Our last visit was in April of 2012 and I was excited to see what has developed. Once again Marc gave us a fabulous tour and showed us the amazing changes he has made in this 75 year old zoo. The collection has jumped from 250 to over 350 species and continues to grow. In the fall, their two gorgeous Amur Leopards will move into a 4,500 square foot exhibit which will be three stories high – making it one of the largest exhibits in the nation. We met the zoo’s new adorable bat-eared foxes, servals, baby marmosets, and toured the new nursery, which can be viewed by the public, where we met a young fennec fox, ground hog, sloth and African porcupine. A shout out to Marc for his generosity and continuing great work. Visiting the Staten Island Zoo, which proudly calls itself ‘New York’s Biggest Little Zoo’ is a great place to visit. We went via the Staten Island Ferry which in and of itself is a great adventure.
The Summertime Yawns August 18, 2013
Posted by judylobo in Traveling.Tags: Benny the dog, Central Park Zoo, Gus the polar bear, photography, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, wildlife, Zoos
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Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer bring on those summer time yawns. Catching and then photographing one of the Central Park Zoo animals mid-yawn is always fun. Oh, there is one beautiful face that does not belong today – can you find him?
While at the Zoo 