I had always agreed with you about zoos and even now with some of the best I feel horrible for some of the animals that really should be left in the wild. However, upon moving to San Diego and right next to the zoo I've modified my thoughts. This zoo is particularly clean and the animals are really well cared for (not only from observation but also from our neighbor/friend who is a zoo keeper there and works with the animal health). This zoo is also very good at outreach and education and makes a big deal of pointing out the status of the animals in the wild and how at risk they are and why. They also have an international breeding program that helps some species be returned to the wild. However, this does not completely make me feel really good about captive animals so it's a constant balancing for me.

David Pine, do you mind telling us what camera you used? The portrait of the Eagle is the most outstanding photo I've seen in a long time. The color, focus, lighting, etc. is exciting. I would like a better camera and keep looking for the focal aspects of a new camera. My minimum acceptable zoom lens is a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8. I never use flash in a zoo setting. It would be rare for me to shoot through glass or plastic. I may visit the same animal 5 or 6 times in a visit or until I get a reasonable shot. Primates are the most difficult as they tend to turn their backs to cameras. Orangutangs especially. Shooting in a zoo is fun and I sometimes just watch the animals for pure enjoyment.

Don't tell me it is a Hasselbad.

The Fort Worth Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Cameron Park Zoo (Waco), Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve, Houston Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Abilene Zoo, Victoria Zoo, Gladys Park Zoo, Tyler Zoo and the Austin Rescue Zoo are real jewels in Texas. They all strive to provide good habitats, living environments, quality food and superior medical care to their animals. People that disclaim or dislike zoos are working with little to no knowledge of what zoos really provide in the day and time. If it wasn't for the efforts of the zoos many of the species would never again be seen on earth. The white tigers are extinct in the wild and only 400 are maintained in the zoo shelters. The snow leopard will soon be extinct if hunting persists as with many other species. The zoos I mentioned and many others place the welfare of the animals above the entertainment of the general public. The Bronx Zoo in New York does extensive research as does the San Diego Zoo. If you know of something a zoo does that might harm or put a zoo animal in danger all you need to do is file a complaint with the FDA. The biggest difference in making images in zoos versus Africa is the cost of transportation and the expense of a guide. They put you in a 4 by 4 and drive you close to the lions, gorillas, elephants or other exotics. By the way, it's a show and tourist adventure. How do you think they keep the animals close to the vehicle routes? They plant food of course and sometime the food is live and staked out. If you are anti-zoo, I suggest that you get involved and discover the facts. The zoos are great photo adventures and not near as easy as you might think. I do photography in zoos across the United States, some more often than others, and I find it challenging and rewarding. $10 is a small fee to pay for a photo shoot at the Fort Worth Zoo. Have a wonderful time. It's one of my personal favorites. The Rooster image is a personal favorite of a bird who chooses to live at the Austin Rescue Zoo and kind of rules-the roost so to speak.