I was just walking up to this enclosure when I noticed I was being watched. So many thoughts go through my mind when I look at him, I wonder what goes though his mind as he takes me in.
I walked around to the wide expanse across the front of his space, and with no one else around, I got a sense that wasn't happy to be photographed...stared at...but no one had asked him how he felt. Without milling people and children pushing for a front row view, there was a perceptible shift in this one-on-one encounter. I believe zoos are important for teaching and learning, and in the long run, I think animals benefit from the way they're run in today's world. But in encountering a gorilla, I'm reminded to mind my manners, not to stare, and to take clues about respecting this animal's space. This animal exudes so much quiet dignity. Oh the things people could learn if they paused and showed respect.
@aglennc This is at the Santa Barbara Zoo...quite a nice zoo with beautiful grounds. Knowing you, you're probably familiar with it! (Ken and I went there two days in a row...wonderful!)
Wonderful capture Louise! I like the glint in his eye. Thanks for your comment on a shot I posted a couple years ago. I've been off 365 for several months, traveled to South America, and now am back . I was thinking about starting to post again when I got your comment in my email tonight. It motivated me to reset my password and take a look around the site. Many thanks for that!
@redy4et Welcome home! I've looked forward to seeing "our group" again after the holidays, so I'm glad to read you're back in the community! I look forward to hearing about your travels...and seeing some photos!
I so agree Louise. Whilst in Singapore and having "breakfast with the orangutans" a female was brought out and sat on a stage so we could take photos. I was so moved by the way she sat there whilst we all stared and took photos that I felt I had to apologise and thank her for being so patient.
