Zoo Photos
Jan 5, 2019 12:00:04 #
A week or so ago there was a post about zoo photos and asking UHHs for input and photos. I'm fortunate to be a docent at the Detroit Zoo that has many large, natural habitats that are conducive to photography. I agree with the helpful suggestions that were offered by members to those taking photos in zoos. The long lenses that are used out in nature to even capture a photo of an animal can be used in the zoo to take head shots which can be a lot of fun. This is my first post of photos so it is kind of a test case. I plan to post more in the future. This group of four were taken in the 4.3 acre Arctic Ring of Life habitat at the Detroit Zoo. It currently houses two polar bears, three arctic foxes and three seals. My camera at the time was a Canon T5i with a Tamron 18-270mm lens. Photos 1, 2, and 3 are of an Arctic Fox "dressed" for winter. Photo 4 shows the same Arctic Fox in summer "duds". Only minor post-processing was done.
Jan 5, 2019 12:02:51 #
Jan 5, 2019 12:03:04 #
Jan 5, 2019 12:13:50 #
Jan 5, 2019 13:02:01 #
Thanks for the replies. To Fotoartist from Pleasant Ridge, Michigan - Since you are essentially next door to the Detroit Zoo why don't you stop by and apply your artistry. If you see a docent (can tell by the red shirt and blue lanyard) with an Olympus hanging from his shoulder, that's me. Stop by and we'll chat. Hoping for snow because the zoo looks great in snow and it makes for great photos.
Jan 5, 2019 13:11:35 #
Bear2
Loc: Southeast,, MI
But something tells me it is coming.
Bear2
Bear2
Fotoartist wrote:
I'm waiting but there's no snow in Detroit this year so far.
Jan 5, 2019 17:02:14 #
John from gpwmi wrote:
A week or so ago there was a post about zoo photos... (show quote)
Yes, very nice photos - - and there's quite a variation in the natural seasonal coloration...
...however, umm, it seems as though you're describing a single habitat - - but might we presume that the critters are physically separated sufficiently so that the polar bears don't hunt/eat the seals and the foxes don't gobble up the scraps, as in the wild ???
Jan 5, 2019 19:13:05 #
Yes Ellie you're correct. It would be quite a show! The bears and seals are separated but it's a clever design so that when the bears and seals are in the water and you're going through the tunnel it actually looks like they're together. Being a docent I've had to answer that question many times, "Why don't the bears eat the seals?" The bears and the arctic foxes are also separated, but insight of each other. The bears actually have two habitats, what we call the Tundra Side and the Ocean (Ice Cap) Side. Thanks for the question!
EllieLady wrote:
Yes, very nice photos - - and there's quite a variation in the natural seasonal coloration...
...however, umm, it seems as though you're describing a single habitat - - but might we presume that the critters are physically separated sufficiently so that the polar bears don't hunt/eat the seals and the foxes don't gobble up the scraps, as in the wild ???
...however, umm, it seems as though you're describing a single habitat - - but might we presume that the critters are physically separated sufficiently so that the polar bears don't hunt/eat the seals and the foxes don't gobble up the scraps, as in the wild ???
Jan 5, 2019 19:20:57 #
John from gpwmi wrote:
Yes Ellie you're correct. It would be quite a sho... (show quote)
Oh John - - I was just funnin' wit chu - - I've been into animal welfare and rescue for nearly 50 years, including caretaking and husbandry of some wild ones. As a docent, I knew you'd be able to answer that question - -and I was hoping that everybody had their thinking caps on !!! Heh heh ❤
Jan 5, 2019 19:48:19 #
Well just keep funnin' wit me! Good to know there's folks like you out there! If you're ever in the Detroit area make a point of visiting the zoo. Besides cool exhibits, they do much in the area of conservation, research in zoo animal welfare, and education. With your background, you can appreciate the part zoos play that the public rarely sees.
Jan 5, 2019 21:45:37 #
John from gpwmi wrote:
Well just keep funnin' wit me! Good to know there's folks like you out there! If you're ever in the Detroit area make a point of visiting the zoo. Besides cool exhibits, they do much in the area of conservation, research in zoo animal welfare, and education. With your background, you can appreciate the part zoos play that the public rarely sees.
My sister lived on the outskirts of Detroit (Redford Twp) for 6 years, but I never did get to see the zoo - - of course, that that was almost 40 years ago, so likely not nearly the same configuration as it is now...
'Fraid I won't be making it back, so I'll have to rely on photos, documentaries, travelogues & info from informants such as yourself...
I can state unequivocally that I wish zoos and conservation WEREN'T necessary - - but the fact is that they ARE, and zoos play a critical role - - and this is not the first time I've said it, or defended them:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-570952-4.html#9727179
Many thanks !!!
ps - - being within visual range of each other is certainly providing some natural enrichment for the critters too...they coexist in the wild & there are many times when hunting and eating aren't always the agenda...
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Jan 5, 2019 22:32:28 #
Jan 6, 2019 09:43:30 #
Jan 6, 2019 12:12:00 #
Jan 6, 2019 13:36:54 #
Nice set, but I really liked #2. It wasn't an ID shot and had a bit of a sense of humor to it.
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