Happy 33rd Anniversary – Central Park Zoo August 8, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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Today is the 33rd anniversary of the Central Park Zoo. I am happy to say I have been associated with the zoo for the past 31of those 33 years (that is probably how I know most of you). 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. There are many great old photos of the menagerie and zoo found with a simple google search. Come visit us soon and a very Happy Anniversary!
Red, White and Zoo – 2021 July 4, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, July Fourth, nature, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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Summer is a time for reruns. Accordingly I share last year’s post since July Fourth actually falls on a Sunday this year. 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.
Happy Father’s Day 2021 June 20, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Central Park Zoo, Happy Father's Day, nature, NYC, photography, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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While most caregivers in the animal kingdom are mothers, there are some fathers who join in the role as caregiver. I salute some of those fathers out there in today’s photo montage. Coincidentally – tomorrow is also National Martini Day. Why not celebrate that special day today? The photo above today’s montage is of my father, sister and me (circa – the beginning of time).
Southwick’s Zoo June 13, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, photography, Southwick's Zoo, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation, Zoos
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Last month’s fun trip to New England included the always terrific Southwick’s Zoo. It is a 300-acre, privately owned and operated, zoological park located in Mendon, Massachusetts. It was opened in 1963, and remains family-operated to date. We usually visit around Halloween time but due to last year’s COVID restrictions we missed our annual visit. It was good to be back and also good to see even more improvements to this ever changing facility. 
Franklin Park Zoo – May 2021 May 23, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: baby animals, Franklin Park Zoo, gorilla baby, photography, pygmy hippo baby, travel, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation
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After almost 18 months sticking close to home due to Covid19 I finally packed a suitcase, boarded an Amtrak train and headed off to Boston to visit good friends. We had a grand reunion, visited some of our favorite places, ate, laughed and generally felt normal once again. First up…the Franklin Park Zoo. I hope that your lives are also slowly returning to normal and those smiles are broad. 
Mamma Mia May 9, 2021
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals, baby animals, Happy Mother's Day, nature, photography, wildlife, zoo babies, Zoos
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My mother was born in 1918 during the Spanish Flu pandemic. I wonder what she would have to say about what we all are living thru today because of COVID19. I want to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all to all of the mothers, caregivers, nurturers, pamperers, surrogates and loving coddlers out there regardless of how you celebrate the day during these unusual times. Our mother, Lillian Wolfe, is long gone, but her advice, warnings and general ‘Lili-isms’ live on in our daily lives. She taught us to laugh at life, to think, to question authority, to march, to protest – to fight the good fight. She also gave us our moral compass – one glance from Lillian told us instantly whether our behavior was acceptable or not – and I got a lot of glances. My sister Terry and I remember many childhood events differently but we both agree that our mother was a pistol. Here’s to Lillian Wolfe – she formed and informed what we are today. 
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! 
While at the Zoo 