Sunday
Selections was originally brought to us by Kim of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could
post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? I am continuing to show you some of what Dinahmow and I did during her visit.
On the first full day that she was here, we went to the National Zoo and Acquarium. It was a big day, a tiring day, and a wonderful day.
The zoo has been open for twenty years now, and devotes a lot of time, energy and money to animal conservation both here and abroad. I would still rather see animals in their natural habitat, but zoos have come a long way from the concrete prisons I remember seeing as a child. And sadly, some species of animals only survive/can be seen in captivity.
Less talk, more pictures.
Hannah the very old wombat is still going. And I loved seeing her with her snugglie.
Some day I will be lucky enough to see a Tawny Frogmouth in the wild.
Those warty lumps on the giraffe are apparently self induced by bashing their heads against hard surfaces. Apparently the macho image goes down well with female giraffes.
Opposite ends of an ostrich. I really wouldn't want to get in the way of those feet. Which look quite dinosaurish.
I have talked about pouch potatoes before. I felt very, very sorry for this kangaroo mama. It is high time junior got a room of his own.
The zoo has a number of cheetahs. In the second and third photos we see Solo and his friend Zama. Solo was born at the zoo last year. Apparently cheetah cubs don't do well on their own, so Solo was given a friend to play with. They play together, eat together, sleep together. And we were lucky enough to see them being leashed up and escorted to a different part of the zoo. The youngest of my brothers (who volunteers at the zoo) sometimes has to sit with Solo to 'socialise' him. Jealous thoughts. Some people lead a tough life.
And yes, there are of course, many, many more photos. It really is a lovely place.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? I am continuing to show you some of what Dinahmow and I did during her visit.
On the first full day that she was here, we went to the National Zoo and Acquarium. It was a big day, a tiring day, and a wonderful day.
The zoo has been open for twenty years now, and devotes a lot of time, energy and money to animal conservation both here and abroad. I would still rather see animals in their natural habitat, but zoos have come a long way from the concrete prisons I remember seeing as a child. And sadly, some species of animals only survive/can be seen in captivity.
Less talk, more pictures.
Hannah the very old wombat is still going. And I loved seeing her with her snugglie.
Some day I will be lucky enough to see a Tawny Frogmouth in the wild.
Opposite ends of an ostrich. I really wouldn't want to get in the way of those feet. Which look quite dinosaurish.
I have talked about pouch potatoes before. I felt very, very sorry for this kangaroo mama. It is high time junior got a room of his own.
The zoo has a number of cheetahs. In the second and third photos we see Solo and his friend Zama. Solo was born at the zoo last year. Apparently cheetah cubs don't do well on their own, so Solo was given a friend to play with. They play together, eat together, sleep together. And we were lucky enough to see them being leashed up and escorted to a different part of the zoo. The youngest of my brothers (who volunteers at the zoo) sometimes has to sit with Solo to 'socialise' him. Jealous thoughts. Some people lead a tough life.
And yes, there are of course, many, many more photos. It really is a lovely place.
As you say, in a perfect world we wouldn’t need zoos, but for some species zoos may represent their only chance for survival. And thank you very much for my bookmark!
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: I am thrilled that your bookmark arrived. I posted it and some fridge magnets weeks ago and was beginning to worry. And yes on the zoo front.
DeleteHi EC - wonderful photos ... and three healthy looking lions, let alone all the others. Poor rhino - he looks in a slump ... while the head-bashing giraffe - I'd never heard of that before. So useful having a brother who works at the zoo as you can get some inside information (at times) - lovely photos and so pleased you had such a fun time with Dinah ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: The lions were indeed very healthy looking. As were the tigers. And indeed all of the animals though I agree the rhino looks very sad indeed. I am frequently envious of that brother - which pleases him. And he admits he would be too if the tables were turned.
DeleteHilary, I think the rhino was relaxing...just before we got there 2 keepers had been rubbing him down
DeleteI enjoyed my/our trip to the zoo, thank you!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: I am glad.
DeleteWonderful pictures as usual. I especially loved the opposite ends of the ostrich. The feet are treacherous when viewed as a single unit
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Those feet were scary. Having looked at them, I couldn't look away.
DeleteKeep the photos coming, EC. I love seeing the animals, though the rhino looks sad:( You're right. The sanctuaries are so much better than the zoos of yesteryear. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: I am so glad that we have learned a little better. Those concrete enclosures were dreadful.
DeleteAnimals...special, beautiful creatures, one and all.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Thank you. I hope that Remy and Sharma have recovered their equilibrium after the tradies have gone.
DeleteGreat photos of the animals. Love that the cheetah is kept company with the dog. Nice touch.
ReplyDeleteCountry Mum: The keepers slept at the zoo for a while after Solo was born. He looks to be thriving now, and their care and the presence of Zama certainly have a part to play in that.
DeleteWell, I'll be sending my readers over here as you got much better photos than I managed!
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I am sure that you got some gems too. Wasn't it a lovely day?
DeleteI just LOVE the photos of the animals. I think that giraffe is pretty good looking myself. Warts to die for. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Was it Oliver Cromwell who wanted to be painted 'warts and all'?
DeleteI wouldn't mind seeing more photos. The rhino looks a little despondent.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: The rhino does look sad doesn't he? I hope it is an accident and that in fact he was content in the sun.
DeleteNo idea what he is, but I do love the tail of the fellow with the carrot. I do not like the idea of zoos, and cannot visit. However, I recognize their value in preserving species.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: The tail belongs to a lemur. (I can't remember which one). And I do understand your stance on zoos.
DeleteI am glad you enjoyed the outing.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to a zoo since my children were small. That means about 20 years ago.
Caterina: Twenty years is a long time. Is it because you too have problems with caged animals?
DeleteGood pictures.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you.
DeleteI also agree with your comments about zoos, EC. You obviously made the most of your visit, however, and took some lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteAlexia: It is hard not to feel at least ambivalent about zoos isn't it? This one does good work though. The sun bears at the zoo were rescued - one from a restaurant where it was to feature on the menu. Shudder.
DeleteI am jealous of your brother as well. What a job! Gorgeous cats and yes, junior needs to move out! Poor mama.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: We watched that poor mother hop with her very full pouch. Which I suspect just plain hurt.
DeleteSuch amazing creatures. We are fortunate to live near Wild Animal Safari San Diego. A train runs by African savanna and other habitats; trip takes about 45 min. It is one of the primary labs for gene studies and working with endangered species.
ReplyDeleteYour commentaries were precious.
Susan Kane: Glad I didn't bore you. Hooray for places which work with endangered species though sadly we are often the reason they are in danger.
DeleteAwesome pictures. I never knew that about giraffes. Interesting. I've also never seen a wombat or a Tawny Frogmouth.
ReplyDeletemxtodis123: The wombat and the Tawny Frogmouth are both native to Australia. Hannah is a very old wombat and I did like that she had some comfort in her den.
DeleteOnce again you educated me. These animal photos are great. I love your posts.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Council Beall: Thank you.
DeleteGreat to see those photos - feel sorry for the roo, natures is an amazing thing.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: I think that almost everyone who saw that poor roo felt sorry for her.
DeleteAll the animals look quite relaxed and a little sleepy. If I was that Roo Mama, I'd be hauling junior right out again. He's way too big for free rides now.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I agree. Junior really needed to be evicted.
DeleteAll the animals look well taken care of and that is lovely. Hannah appears camera-shy. :) Lemurs are outsanding animals. I had read that, like humans, lemurs can possess a range of iris colors.
ReplyDeleteBea: I don't think Hannah could be bothered waking up for visitors. Wombats are largely nocturnal. I didn't know that lemurs could have a range of iris colour. How lovely.
DeleteFor those who have not seen wombats...this is a lovely tale https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-02/wombat-mural-in-warrnambool-happy-accident/10065236
ReplyDeletedinahmow: That is a truly lovely tale isn't it? Every time I watch it I smile. Broadly.
DeleteWhat an enjoyable post! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBill: I am v glad you enjoyed it.
Deletei agree with you on the zoo front Sue. this zoo seems wonderful and the animals all look so well and cared for. superb images.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: This zoo is a good one. The animals come first, NOT the visitors. Which is as it should be.
DeleteIt's been many years since I visited a zoo, but I try to watch animal shows on The Animal Planet all the time. I can look at pictures of lions, cheetahs, leopards and tigers for hours, and you've shown some more great pics of them. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I have a huge weakness for the big cats myself.
DeleteI love seeing the roos with huge joeys, I don't know why because they really could travel under their own steam...
ReplyDeletethere surely must be a tawny frogmouth you could see in the wild ....they are very very well disguised so you could be walking right past
there was one very briefly resident at my mum and dads place when I lived there
kylie: I suspect you are right and I have walked past tawny frogmouths. Which I mourn.
DeleteI love zoos especially nowadays when their habitat is so much better than past zoos I visited. Lovely photos, especially those feet.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Those feet could inflict some damage couldn't they? And they are attached to powerful legs too.
DeleteI feel sorry for the kangaroo mama too! All the cats look amazing...Not a fan of zoos, but we need them. Better captive and alive in zoos/shelters than free in the wild to be poached to extinction. Have you seen what's happening to the lions in Southern Africa - outrageous!
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: I mourn that we need zoos, but (reluctantly) accept the necessity. We need them to protect animals (mostly from us).
DeleteBeautiful animals and great photos. It's sad that we have to have zoos to protect some animals but at the same time I know it's a great way for people to see animals in the flesh "so to speak" that they would be able to otherwise.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I see that a lot of us are singing from the same page.
DeleteI agree with you that I prefer animals to be in their natural habitats- but I am glad that zoos and conservation areas have come such a long way and they help animals that can't live out on their own. Looks like you got to see many different animals. I had no idea about the warts on a giraffe!
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~Jess: I had no idea about the giraffe's warts either. We were at the enclosure as the giraffe was being fed and the keeper passed that titbit on.
DeleteI've been against zoos but your perspective and that of some of the commentors here have given me a new view. Thank you for that and for sharing your visit as well as your beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: I am emphatically against 'old style' zoos and any where the visitor is more important than the animals.
DeleteAww I love the animal pictures. It's sad that some animals are only alive because people save them in zoos. I'm glad that they are protected in the zoos where they can't be hunted.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I am a big animal fan. And mourn that zoos have become so necessary.
DeleteI love your potato. I do know how she must feel
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am not a mother but suspect I would have evicted junior. Forcibly if necessary.
DeleteThe debate about zoos is not always an easy one …
ReplyDeleteIt's always best if animals can live as they should but unfortunately not always possible,
I did enjoy seeing all of your photographs.
I didn't know that about giraffes.
I feel sorry for mummy kangaroo.
Hoping your weekend has been good.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member~Jan: It seems the giraffe factoid was new to a lot of us - it certainly was to me. And yes, I do feel sorry for mama roo.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI used to LOVE going to the zoo. Now, not so much, as I keep thinking, these poor, wonderful creatures should have a life in the wild.
Author R. Mac Wheeler: True. Except that some of them no longer survive (let alone thrive) in the ever diminishing wild.
DeleteI do love zoos as well even though - just like you - I prefer to see the animals in their natural habitat in freedom. But yes, some wouldn't survive anymore outside a zoo. It's a sad world when you think about it.
ReplyDeleteLucky brother for being able to volunteer at the zoo.
Carola Bartz: He works hard and does a fair amount of shit shovelling, but also has some incredible experiences at the zoo.
DeleteI never knew that about Giraffes. I watched a documentary on them once.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: I had never known it either. And was fascinated.
DeleteBeautiful animals in the Zoo, there is a change in the air when everything will be free.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: How I long for the day when that is true.
DeleteWonderful photos. Thank you for the tour of the zoo. I just love going to zoos if they are maintained right because it is the only way to get up close with all kinds of animals.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Sadly you are very right. And it is the only place that some of these animals exist now.
DeleteThose feet do look like throw backs to another age. Is this the place where you can rent a room for a night with views of the lions? I seem to remember you posting at some point about that. Yeah, that joey is a failure to thrive. My nephew moved out finally at 33. My brother had to lay down the law, but he's out of the house now.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: That is indeed the zoo where you can rent a room with views of the big cats. Or the giraffes. Or the sharks. I do hope that someone lays down the law to that joey (who is certainly an adolescent now).
DeleteI agree with you in preferring to see animals in the natural habitat, and that junior needs move out! I cannot believe the kangaroo mom tolerates it!!!
ReplyDeleteIs that a Lemur chillin' in the last pic?
Great photos, as always :)
mshatch: That is indeed a lemur in the last picture. Mostly they moved too fast for me, but that one was enjoying the sunshine (and its carrot).
DeleteI haven't been to a zoo in a very long time. Thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteJono: This one is quite close to home, and we don't visit often enough.
DeleteI wish my allergies would allow me to visit a zoo sometime. All I can manage are aquariums. Glad you had fun out there, EC!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Fortunately my sensitivies are to artificial things like incense and sprays. The outdoors causes no issues since I had a course of desensitising injections decades ago. It wasn't a fun course, but the benefits have been huge.
DeleteAnother fascinating look through your eyes/ lenses. It was almost--minus the aromas, the shrieks, and whines, and barks--like being there.
ReplyDeletePatricia A. Laster: The shrieks and whines were often human (it was school holidays). It was still a delightful day.
DeleteWonderful record of your zoo visit. Why is it that the emu looks so innocent on the top and so dangerous on the bottom, I wonder? Inconsistency!! ha ha Your pictures caught that contrast so well.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that at least some zoos have become better places for the animals who live their through no choice of their own.
As for the rhino looking sad, I'm very afraid that my face looks much the same when I am simply relaxed :D
"animals who live THERE" egad
Deletejenny_o: I am glad to see another person suffering from finger dyslexia. And yes, the opposite ends of the ostrich were indeed very different. And yes, I suspect I am also a rhino when relaxed.
DeleteI feel like you do about zoos and am so glad that they have changed to more habitable places for the wonderful creatures who share the world with us. You took some wonderful pictures, and yes, I, too, am jealous of your brother’s job. What a terrific place to go to work.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It is a voluntary job for my brother and he loves it. He works hard (long days and plenty of 'dirty' work but oh the privileges...
DeleteThis is an awesome zoo visit! I liked all the photos.
ReplyDeleteNew Release Books: Thank you. It is one of the better zoos.
DeleteThat poor kangaroo mumma, ouch! I hope you see a wild tawny too, there are online sites that tell you where various species have been seen, or maybe you'll have a serendipitous siting soon.
ReplyDeleteKim: That pouch is way too full isn't it? And watching her hop made my eyes water in sympathy. I do hope to see a wild tawny - in the fullness of time.
DeleteWow...those beautiful animals!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much for sharing these photos...I really enjoyed!😊😊
Ygraine: Thank you so much.
DeleteLovely pictures! I especially liked the cats, but really, I liked them all. thanks for this free trip to the zoo.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Varadan, Author: I have a huge weakness for the cats myself.
DeleteThe cheetahs appear to be the most content of the animals at the zoo you visited EC, although you can never tell whats really on an animals mind.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: I thought most of the animals we saw looked totally content. The cats seemed to be soaking up the sun, and largely ingnoring the people - which is lovely.
DeleteWow. Beautiful pics, and ostriches are so ugly they are cute.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: I think ostrich faces are cute, but view those feet (and the powerful legs) with caution.
Deletewonderful pictures! and a wonderful zoo for all they do for conservation efforts. it truly is sad that so many species are saved only by becoming captive. Animal Plant has been showing a commercial lately of the Irwins and the zoo there celebrated the 23rd birthday of one of their wombats named Minibus. Makes me laugh every time I see it. I am also jealous of your brother!
ReplyDeleteCindi Summerlin: I have reservations about Steve Irwin. I think he 'handled' wild animals too often and too freely and paid the price. That said, I don't know anything bad about the rest of the family. Minibus is a great name for a wombat. The brother in question has some amazing experiences at the zoo. I have photos of him with a lemur on his shoulder too. Sigh. Jealous sigh.
DeleteI met Minibus when I was at Steve Irwin's Zoo back in 2003, so called because her mother was run over by a minibus and the baby was saved and brought to the zoo I think. I loved visiting that Zoo and seeing the Australian animals there.
DeleteI've never heard of a Tawny Frogmouth, but how cute!! The feet on the ostrich do look dinosaurish. The wombat is cute and made me think of Binky. I laughed at the giraffe. The stupid things we do for love, ha!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Tawyn Frogmouths are masters at camoflague. They can sit in a tree and look like a dead branch. As I said, some day I hope to see one in the wild for myself. And a big yes at the stupid things we do for love - all of us, without regard to our specie.
DeleteLions resemble lazy cats until they get up to ROAR!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: And my lazy cat considers himself a lion. Or a tiger. Or perhaps a panther.
DeleteIt is so sad that many species can only survive in zoos... But lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I find it very sad too. But am glad that increasingly zoos are committed to conservation.
DeleteGood morning, and thanks for bringing me along with all these delightful jewels of the animal kingdom. They are a joy in live living color but also right here with the comforts of home!
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: They are a joy aren't they? One which I hope we can preserve.
DeleteCame over from Dinahmow's. Your pictures are awesome! I love the penguins! And the white lions. That Tawyn Frogmouths is a supermodel! But the star of the show is definitely the wombat with the snuggle blanket. Poor kangaroo mommy--time to push Joey out of the pouch! Love all your fantastic critter shots! Love that rhino tanning in the sun!
ReplyDeleteI find some museums worse than zoos. I don't like museums that display mummies or dead bodies. Those are people. That is someone's parent, a sibling, or a child. How would you like it if someone dug up you or your loved ones and put them on display, and charged money so people can see your dead body displayed like some freak show. Let the dead rest. Those people were buried with honor and love and respect by the people who cared for them. Let the dead rest.
It's an amazing thing your brother is doing, volunteering at that zoo. Zoos are arks now. They are the only way to protect and save these poor creatures who have been hunted and driven from their homes. I hope we can restore them to their native lands, but we have to figure out how to manage our population and resources first. There are way too many of us...
Thanks for the wonderful fotos of some really amazing creatures! I love zoos and conservation areas!
eroswings: Welcome and thank you so much. This zoo is quite close to home and we really, really don't get there often enough. Which I tell myself each time we DO get there. No arguments about there being too many of us. And about how greedy we are of our limited resources. I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond to this comment - and will be over to visit you shortly.
DeleteLovely photos of the animals. The Tawny Frogmouth is a very cute and extraordinary, yet delightful looking bird.
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: The tawny frogmouth is yet another bird I adore.
DeleteI'm always a bit wobbly about zoos. I love to see the animals that I would never have the chance to see in the wild, and I know zoos do a wonderful job of conservation, but I'm always sad about those beautiful animals in captivity when they should be running free. However, Toronto has a very large zoo, it opened about 40 years ago and I go with my grandies quite often.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: I am also wobbly about zoos for the same reasons. And how I wish that animals could run free - and not only survive but thrive.
DeleteMy heart is smiling! Thank you EC! That is interesting about the giraffes! The wombat is so cute! Also the Tawny Frogmouth, adorable! I feel sorry for the mama kangaroo! Really loved seeing all the photos! Thanks so much EC! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: I think you would love this zoo as much as we do.
DeleteI want to give the rhino a hug!!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: I would have loved to be able to hug/stroke/hold quite a lot of the animals we saw.
DeleteAgree that Kangaroo Momma needs to evict junior! He's probably playing video games in there...
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: From the look of that pouch he has some friends staying with him too...
Delete