Saying Goodbye to Summer August 26, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: big cats, Central Park Zoo, Grizzly bears Betty and Veronica, photography, sea lion, snow leopard, Snow Monkey, travel, wildlife, zoocation, Zoos
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Yes, I know it is still summer, but the days are getting shorter and fall will soon be upon us. We are off on Zoocation in a few days. It is the un-official 10th anniversary of Zoocation. It all started in 2008 in Omaha when we went to a wonderful wedding and decided we should hit as many zoos as possible in the area. We have criss-crossed North America in search of new zoos to explore. It has been a fun, exhilarating adventure. We’ve traveled thru New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, Texas, Colorado, Utah, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Washington, Nevada, Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Maine, Rhode Island, Michigan, Kentucky, Florida and Canada. I have most likely left out a few states and my Zoocation pal, Mary Schwalm will let me know which ones I missed – but you get the idea. We have met some incredible people, had unforgettable animal encounters and look forward to this next adventure. Thank you all for coming along on our journey. See you zoon.
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer August 19, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: photography, wildlife, yawning animals, Yawns, Zoos
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The lazy hazy crazy days of summer are upon us. It is always fun to photograph animals mid-yawning. Enjoy today’s photo montage and try to keep yourself from yawning. Come spend some time with me at the Central Park Zoo this fall, winter or spring when I lead three new photo sessions. All three sessions are listed on the WCS website. I can assure you we will have fun and you will get to meet some of our animals up close all before the zoo opens to the public. Check them out here. And that adorable dog up top is of course, One-eyed Jack (when he had two eyes).
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo August 12, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Cleveland Metroparks zoo, Orangutan, persian onager, photography, Snow Leopard cubs, travel, wildlife, zoo babies, zoocation, Zoos
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Our final stop on our mini-zoocation was the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We hadn’t been there since 2010 and there were many positive changes to this large zoo. Thanks to our hosts, Amy and Jenny for showing us around town and sharing their home with us. Among the many zoo surprises were three snow leopard kittens, a baby rhino, an adorable young orangutan and a baby Persian onager (horse). 
Happy 30th Anniversary to the Central Park Zoo August 5, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: 30th anniversary, Central Park Zoo, NYC, photography, Zoos
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This Wednesday (8.8.18) will be the 30th anniversary of the Central Park Zoo. I am happy to say I have been associated with the zoo for the past 28 of those 30 years (that is probably how I know most of you). The zoo began in the 1860s as a menagerie. 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. The photo above shows then Mayor Ed Koch throwing a fish to Finn, one of our sea lions, during the opening ceremony. Some of you old timers might recognize some of the faces in this photo. Happy Anniversary!
National Zoo Keeper Week July 14, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week, NYC, photography, wildlife, Zoos
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The third week in July is National Zookeeper Week. I appreciate these terrific people all year long and dedicate this week’s photo montage to the 18 Zookeepers who make everything hum at my home base, the Central Park Zoo. I thank you, one and all, for all you do – the unsung heroes – each and every day. We are open 365 days a year, thru rain, snow, summer heat and all holidays. National Zookeeper Week starts tomorrow. How about if you go to a zoo this week tell a zookeeper how much they are appreciated? 
Red, White and Zoo July 1, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Central Park Zoo, nature, NYC, photography, red, white and blue, whote and zoo, Zoos
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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. Most of the animals depicted were taken at my home base, the Central Park Zoo. Obvious exclusions are the giant panda, cassowary (above) and the arctic fox (although we used to house that species) and the red-eyed tree frog (taken at the Prospect Park Zoo). Hope you all have a very safe and happy Fourth of July.
June at the San Francisco Zoo June 24, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: nature, photography, San Francisco Zoo, travel, zoocation, Zoos
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Last week’s trip to the west coast was filled with great weather, family fun and a few adventures. A west coast visit would not be complete without a stop at the San Francisco Zoo. There were lots of new animals to see (wolves, bears, sifakas) and improvements to many habitats. A shout out to Dominick, who always makes our visit better and more memorable.
June at the Bronx Zoo June 10, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Bronx Zoo, NYC, photography, zoo babies, Zoos
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An abbreviated visit to the Bronx Zoo this week found wonderful treasures wherever we went. Seeing old friends during the visit made it even more special. We did not get to see everything but we will return soon.
Nom Nom June 3, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: animals eating, nature, nom nom, photography, Zoos
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Zoo visitors love to watch the resident animals eat. Not sure why other than it is fun to see what they eat, how they eat and for sure – when they are eating – they are not sleeping. Here are some of my favorites.
Prospect Park Zoo May 27, 2018
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: Brooklyn, Dingo, NYC, photography, Zoos
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I had another chance to spend the day working at the Prospect Park Zoo this week. The zoo looks beautiful and the collection animals active. Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo was the zoo of my childhood and whenever I visit I get a few fond flashbacks. On this visit, I remembered there was an elephant named ‘Judy’ – so I googled it. Oh dear – sometimes, the outcome of a google search is not very good news. But, it was a long time ago and zoos were very different back then. My memory of Judy the elephant still remains sweet. Go visit!
While at the Zoo 