What a delightfully wonderful day it was at San Diego's Safari Park gathering with nine of us members of this 365 photo site! This Zoo Park covers extensive acreage where many of the animals roam across open spaces. *WE* walked...we took photos...we stopped to talk...(now repeat this again and again!) ...and THEN we arrived at the baby tiger's enclosure! I'm surprised I ever left! His name is Suka and he's exactly 4 months old, a Sumatran Tiger (the 26th born here in captivity). While I was working with the least of the lenses today, I was so happy with my representative photos, but is this endearing little face not irresistible?
He was my Number One choice...(this isn't a crop; had to zoom through the chain-link fence!)
I can't wait to see what each of the others will post!
@kwind@deliad He was next to the fence, not 3 feet from everyone, and someone should have taken a picture from behind of everyone falling over one another trying to get his photo! There was a lot of exclaiming going on that melded into "Ooooh...oh how darling...ahhhh"
@gaylewood@photographycrazy We had the most wonderful time! Bill, your name came up frequently as we'd see people with "big lenses attached to their 'small' cameras"! We all thought we'd enjoy seeing you at work! Gayle, this circle as as enjoyable to Ken and me as any friends we've known over the years! Sort of amazing when you think about it!
@danette@eyesmile Gena, I suppose you've been then when down here visiting? I haven't been to this one in years, and how that area has grown over 40+ years! The zoo is exceptional! Danette, you'd love these folks! Funny in a way,waiting excitedly to see what they'll be sharing tonight! Trust me, I saw some of the photos on the backs of their cameras, and the choices would have been difficult! I *think* it may be animals tonight and the funny people shots tomorrow!
What a great group for a meetup!! And this tiger -- awesome image of the little one. While I am bothered by zoos or parks like this, I admit to loving the opportunity to see the animals up close. Beautiful image that fills the frame.
@taffy Oh Taffy, the early days of zoos and circuses, with today's understanding, were heart-breaking! The San Diego Zoo and it's Wild Animal Park are probably 100% about animals conservation! This park came into being to save the California condors, and they were able to raise fledglings, reintroduce them to the wild and bring them back into being. Living out here, we followed the effort like a soap-opera! Reading the placards about the tigers, in their native habitat, they're still being hunted, so successfully breeding and raising 26 in this spot alone, is a wonderful thing! Imagine a world without tigers! Even as one handler spoke about a young monitor lizard she was showing everyone, she mentioned it was "rescued". I asked what she meant by that and the whole talk turned to illegal animal trade! The zoo was called about a box of (25, I think I heard) of these lizards that were confiscated. They needed housing for them, so this zoo took 3. She talked a great deal about not getting something like this to have "an unusual pet" unless you're well-informed about raising them. It was an excellent teaching moment! I think zoos are good to teach and inform, hopefully raising awareness about keeping the world safe for these wonderful creatures! In a perfect world, we might not have to do this...
(I certainly didn't hope that didn't come off as lambasting you! Only my side of the issue as I see it. And, I'm happy to have a voice here to say what I hope others might read as well.)
@taffy I used to feel the same way Taffy. It breaks my heart to see animals in smaller zoos in very tiny enclosures. But San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park are world renowned for breeding and releasing so our animals don't become extinct. There are still bad people out there poaching, killing, kidnapping and selling exotic animals. We need all of these animals, even the not so pretty condors because they are all part of our ecosystem to balance out the other critters. I understand what you're saying.
@joysfocus I know -- you are really fortunate! A friend of mine's son runs operations there but I've yet to visit. Maybe next time I am in San Diego I could convince you (and friends) to do another one?!
@taffy Are you kidding! Don't' need to convince me! I will go anytime and we can get you in free because a lot of us are members. I love that place just to walk around and relax. The San Diego Zoo is beautiful too and has a lot more animals.
This is a gorgeous capture Louise!! What a great place to have your meet up. I think these days most large zoos are really all about conservation and they are doing marvellous work. Fav for this beautiful shot!!
@taffy@pamknowler@jyokota So, after "The Convention" shall we head west for the post-convention wrap-up in San Diego? You'd certainly be met by the welcoming committee!
@aglennc You make me smile Little granddaughter, Hazel (1 1/2) likes to growl like a tiger for me when we Skype! Maybe*she* needs this for her bedroom!
@taffy Anytime you come to San Diego area we'll put together another shoot. We've had so much fun and a lot of laughs on the shoots this group (and we keep adding members) have done... and more to come. @Weezilou@pamknowler@yokota
He is extremely sweet looking, Louise, and you have captured him perfectly. I love the close-up! A friend of mine is in Puerto Vallarta and posted pictures of getting to hold a baby tiger. She was so excited until he bit her - to the bone. I felt so badly for her! She was not mad - just sad that it had happened. So, I am glad you had an enclosure between you and that you hugged this baby with your lens!!
Beautiful shot! This is Suka. He has been hand raised due to maternal neglect and some health issues. He is a guest favorite and has tons of personality!
In regards to your monitor comments - I work with those monitors! In face if you go to my page you can see a photo with cayenne. I am very impressed at your take away message - you remembered so many of the details - that is why we do what we do. To care for the animals and to educate - and clearly you connected! That's so awesome! I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet up with you, but this makes me so happy!
January 19th, 2016
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(I certainly didn't hope that didn't come off as lambasting you! Only my side of the issue as I see it. And, I'm happy to have a voice here to say what I hope others might read as well.)
In regards to your monitor comments - I work with those monitors! In face if you go to my page you can see a photo with cayenne. I am very impressed at your take away message - you remembered so many of the details - that is why we do what we do. To care for the animals and to educate - and clearly you connected! That's so awesome! I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet up with you, but this makes me so happy!