New At the Ft.Worth Zoo ?

[CaptainTom]

I took the day off and went over to the zoo (half price admission on Wed.).
To my surprise, I found that there were 4 lion cubs about 7 weeks old...
I don't recall seeing any news about these cubs. Either I missed the announcement, or the zoo is keeping it a low profile issue.

[Jim Victory]

Evidently they are not. I was there last Wednesday and there was no indication but the mom wasn't there. I did get some shots of the new baby jaguar.

[BCPhoto]

I'll have to check this out. Never been to the Fort Worth Zoo. Got a conference there next March. What are the best animals to photo there? How do you like the layout of the place and clearances for photo purposes?

[CaptainTom]

Photo clearance not required any where at the zoo that I am aware of.

The layout is one of the best in the country. The animals are all visually accessible.
The secret of any zoo trip is being there on a day when the animals are likely to be active, catching the right light, and being patient.

[Panther]

Howdy Tom,


I had heard from a confidental source about 3 weeks ago that Precious had given birth to 4 cubs. The Zoo is always very closed mouthed about things like this, I don't know why, you would think they would be announcing it all over the news and things to get more people to come to the Zoo. They also keep a very tight lid on when they are shipping animals out, I guess some of it is for security reasons and some of it I guess to keep down some of the Patrons uproar at some of the favorites being shipped off to other Zoo's. I know I sure hated to see Kahn the male Jaguar leave, but it sounds like he's doing well in Houston. Also, I really hated seeing the Indo-Chinese Tigers go, Karen and I loved watching them swim each evening during last Summer. The Female just seems so lonely with them gone.

I can't wait to see the new Cubs, I bet the Photog's were out in force for their coming out party.

Thanks for the update!!!

[Joe_Lorenzini]

These are too cool. I'm going tomorrow. Are they out all the time or just at certain hours?

_/oe

[CaptainTom]

Joe
I hope you get to see them. I spoke with several photogs who were there from opening (10am) and they said that mom (precious) brought them out a little at first, but when the crowds of kids came by she escorted the cubs back inside. By the time I got there (2) they were inside, but she brought them back out in a few minutes. I think that she is now pretty secure with them being outside. Of course, they are rambunctious and she keeps a pretty close eye on them.
I posted a couple of shots from yesterday in my gallery, but here is a teaser.

These were a real stretch for my new 70-200 2.8. I am anxiously awaiting deliver of the 2X converter.....

[zeroendless]

darn!, that's sweet!, about the time to hit FW zoo

[suzyjazz]

Wow... I need to go. I am in Houston and we just went in September. Looks like I have to find a way to get back in the next few months!

[srini]

Beautiful pictures, cant wait to get there, first thing on Friday morning I guess, hey its tomorrow.....

[suzyjazz]

Are the newest baby cheetahs out too? They should be just a few months old now as opposed to the litter that is near a year old, I think.

[CaptainTom]

I do believe the baby Cheetahs are out and about. They have been highly advertised by the zoo.
I tend to go to the zoo and spend a looooong time at one exhibit trying to get that "perfect" shot of the subject I am interested in. I spent a long time with the Mandrels, and did come away with a few that I like. I have one where he is baring his teeth, but it caught me off guard and is a little shakey. Here is one that works (?).

[zeroendless]

Tom,
Nice shot of mandrill #1. My favorite animal at all zoo.... so colorful, my ideas of candidate for The Portrait of the monkey but never couldnt get the angle it right....

FW zoo is one place you can get closer to them, you'll need big gun and luck in Dallas zoo. I can't wait to hit them again...

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Hey Tom,

I met your friend "Chipper" at the zoo today. Got some good shots of the cubs that I'll post later but she was very nice and very helpful when it came to the Mom/Cub behavior patterns.

Thanks for the tip, those cubs are very cute.

_/oe

[srini]

Oh BTW, I guess this is where it all started, always had this picture but never wanted to post it, anyway here it is for adults only...

Here it is