Budi

this is Budi... a lovely gentle soul who lives at the zoo... it makes me sad to see these intelligent beasts held in captivity, however, orangutangs are critically endangered and the zoo is working to support global efforts to save the species... so hopefully they are doing more good than harm in keeping them cooped up...
http://www.torontozoo.com/wildforlife/orangutanexhibit/?pg=SpeciesSuccessStories

(I had plans to post something different tonight but i can't figure out how to get the look i want in photoshop... will have to rethink and try again tomorrow)...

[Sharon Lee]

Love this, he looks like he is concentrating hard

[Debra]

Wow, I love how you captured his expression

[Annie D]

I think most zoos nowadays, particularly the larger ones, are involved in efforts to save endangered species and promote conservation. I would think most of the animals have been bred in captivity not captured from the wild and detailed records are kept to maintain genetic diversity. Sadly they are safer in the zoo than in their wild habitats.
You have captured the majesty of this beautiful orangutan and monochrome is the perfect choice.

[Babs]

Oh what a great shot. I wonder what animals in captivity are thinking

[Marnie]

I totally agree with you re being conflicted about wild animals being confined in zoos, however good these zoos may be. But you're absolutely right about the threats to so many animals from climate change, wanton wide-spread land-clearing and poaching. I'd soon see the poachers and land-clearers in the zoos and the animals out in the wild.

[Shutterbug]

There is something so human in that look. Love the photo.

[Graeme Stevens]

Outstanding. That is all.

[Shanne]

lovely shot - Gerald Durrell did a huge amount in developing zoos as places to support wildlife. He started his career working in London zoo as a teenager, moved on to collecting animals (again, after his childhood on Corfu), then became dedicated to using zoos to save animals - he founded Jersey Zoo in 1959 to conserve endangered wildlife and worked with conservation groups around the world.

[Joan Robillard]

This is you at your best. (I mean your best photography not that you resemble this guy - just to be clear)

[Brigette]

I wonder what he’s thinking. Perhaps that lunch is coming... who knows
I'd like to double fav this

[John Brown]

Just Beautiful.

[ChristineL]

I feel the same about wild animals in zoos, it's a shame that humans can't just leave them alone in their natural habitat. Beautifully captured.

[Joanne Diochon]

Wonderful portrait.

[Humphrey Hippo]

He looks so wistful. Wonderful shot.

[Helen Jane]

It is a dilemma isn't it. What a gorgeous portrait - Budi is looking so thoughtful.

[Jane Pittenger]

So soulful

[haskar]

I do not like the zoo. At this point, I feel guilty!
Fabulous portrait of orangutang.

[Karly]

Budi looks so gentle and sweet. I'm sorry he's in a zoo but I'm glad he is protected. This is a beautiful portrait - love the focus on his eyes.