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Rolling Hills Zoo, Salina, Kansas September 23, 2018

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Zoo #3 on our Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas zoocation was the scenic and walker friendly, Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, Kansas. What started out as a 64,000 square foot indoor natural history museum eventually also expanded into a zoo. Executive director, Bob Jenkins was our host and guide. He deftly explained the history of the museum and zoo and generously shared of his time. If you find yourself traveling through these lush, green parts of Kansas I encourage a visit. Thanks again to Bob Jenkins. My first of three photography opportunities at the Central Park Zoo is in five weeks. To see all three photo op workshops, click here

Topeka Zoo September 9, 2018

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Just returned from a terrific eight zoos in seven days zoocation.  After 10 years of ‘zoo-ing’ my friend Mary Schwalm and I have nailed the many twists and turns of this endeavor. We traveled a bit over a thousand miles through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. We met some wonderful, warm people and have many great memories and encounters to reflect upon in the years to come. First up was the Topeka Zoo. We were greeted and toured by Director Brendan Wiley and got to hear stories about the history and ongoing work being done in Topeka. Luckily their new exhibit area, called Camp Cowabunga was opening that night so we were able to see this new facility. It is a user friendly zoo with an extensive collection. Thanks again to Brendan for a wonderful visit.

Saying Goodbye to Summer August 26, 2018

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.