Ft. Worth Zoo Monday Dec 26

[byarger]

I'm planning on going to the Ft. Worth Zoo Monday to use my last pass before it expires. Anyone else planning to go that day? Also, has anyone been recently that would have an idea on the best time to see the lion cubs? I wasn't sure if they're out all day.
Thanks.

[suzyjazz]

Looks like I will just miss you. I am visiting with my mom on either Wednesday, Dec. 28 or Thursday, Dec. 29! I would be curious to know if there is a better time to see the cubs. It really annoys me that the zoo does not open until 10 AM (I think).

[byarger]

Sorry also, Suzy. And, yes, the zoo does not open until 10AM in its winter season. I guess that means the animals are full into their post breakfast naps when we can get in. It still seems to me like you could open at 9AM any time of the year. If you can get to the zoo on Thursday, do that, because the forecast for Wednesday calls for rain - Thursday's forecast is partly cloudy.

[engstrom]

I've been to the Ft. Worth Zoo twice in the last 6 weeks and have gotten great pictures of the lion cubs both times (in my pbase gallery). Both trips the lion cubs came out around 2:30 - 3:15 and played until zoo closing at 4:00.

Also don't forget to go through the "Texas Wild" section and see the baby jaguar. To me he was the highlight of my last trip. He's in a glass windowed enclosure near the outdoor jaguar pen - it's easy to overlook so keep your eyes open when you see the adult jaguars.

[suzyjazz]

Oh, thanks for the reminder to check the weather!

Are the cubs ever out any earlier? I guess since the zoo doesn't open until 10 now, earlier isn't better. By 10 the light is already harsh. I was so annoyed I didn't venture into the Texas Wild section when I was there in September. I didn't think there was much in there. And why are jaguars in the Texas section? I'll be sure to look this time around! Sad to hear he's behind glass, but maybe it's at least clean glass and not like the horrid Houston Zoo Lexan.

[engstrom]

The cubs might be out earlier but both time I was at the zoo recently I didn't get there until 11:15. I checked the lion enclosure several times and the cubs didn't come out until late afternoon. Don't worry about the harsh light this time of year - they are in shade because of a large rock wall behind them that blocks the sun.

As for what the jaguars are doing in the Texas Wild exhibit - well I guess they used to inhabit this state: http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/pantonca.htm

[Jim Victory]

There is allot of other animals in the Texas Wilds section too. Besides the adult and juvenile jaguar there is a puma, oceolot, bobcat, coyotes, and various birds including a eagle.

Here is a couple of shots my wife took of the baby jaguar when we were ther last time. That was back in November so he probably has grown quite allot.

[zeroendless]

i went there once at sunday and them lion mom and cubs were out all day from the very morning. They closed the gate to keep them lions out so the visitors get to see the zoo major attractions. My best bet is going on weekend for cubs.

[engstrom]

Jim, I really like those pictures of the cub - your wife did good. Was that shot with the 70-200 or the 100-400? When I was there the first week of December the zookeeper said he was finally in the normal range for his age/weight. Sad that he almost died and had to be seperated from mom.

Zero, the advantage to going during the week is you don't have to worry about anyone blocking your pictures. The last time I was there was on a Monday and I saw 10 other people all day long!

[Jim Victory]

John she was using a new lens I got her. The 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS.

I was very impressed with this lens since it was shot through glass.

[zeroendless]

Zero, the advantage to going during the week is you don't have to worry about anyone blocking your pictures. The last time I was there was on a Monday and I saw 10 other people all day long!

True, can't agree more. That's why i went in the minute they open the gate, "spray" and mark my spot just like one of them.......LOL.

[rphoto]

If y'all do get a group together keep me posted here. I would love to try and make it but i'm a couple hours away and would have to leave early.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by engstrom

The cubs might be out earlier but both time I was at the zoo recently I didn't get there until 11:15. I checked the lion enclosure several times and the cubs didn't come out until late afternoon. Don't worry about the harsh light this time of year - they are in shade because of a large rock wall behind them that blocks the sun.

As for what the jaguars are doing in the Texas Wild exhibit - well I guess they used to inhabit this state: http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/pantonca.htm

Thanks for all the info! And I did not know that. Thought we just had ocelots, not jaguars!

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by engstrom

The cubs might be out earlier but both time I was at the zoo recently I didn't get there until 11:15. I checked the lion enclosure several times and the cubs didn't come out until late afternoon. Don't worry about the harsh light this time of year - they are in shade because of a large rock wall behind them that blocks the sun.

As for what the jaguars are doing in the Texas Wild exhibit - well I guess they used to inhabit this state: http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/pantonca.htm

Thanks for all the info! And I did not know that. Thought TX just had ocelots, not jaguars!

[coreymcl]

So are you planning on being there at 10:00AM? Post the details and I will see if I can make it. I have not been to the zoo with my camera.