More Lion Cubs at FW Zoo

[Roy]

These are from the day that so far goes down as the largest crowd ever at the Fort Worth Zoo (3-15-06). The cubs are getting up in size but still very playful and somewhat obsessive. Soon it will be hard to see them as cubs anymore. On this day they had one bone that was the focus of their attention. Sharing was not an option.

[PeteQ]

Nice shots Roy. It's been a bit since we've seen the cubs!

[David_3]

Oh yeah, these guys are cool. Great shots. But at the rate they are growing, they're not going to look like cubs for long.

[Jay Henley]

Are there still 4 cubs. When I was there in November one of them seem to have a bad limp. Zoo officials were saying that they could not figure what was wrong with the cub. Here is the shot I got.

[Elsa]

Beautiful! I was there that day as well. I didn't know half price day during spring break is typically the busiest and they broke their own record. Unfortunately when I was around the lions, a group was taunting them and Mom was not too happy.
http://www.elsasgallery.com/Lioness.html

[Roy]

This was back in November. November 19, 2005 to be exact.

[Roy]

Yes, there are still four cubs. I never got all four in one shot though. They would wrestle over that bone then one would quit while another came over to see if she could take it. Mom was quietly observing all this. Here's one where you can almost see three but one already has an eye for that bone being nawed on below. The next one shows a little pride in ownership.

Nice to see the lion cubs are still a big draw.

[bburton]

I love the color and contrast in your recent shots of the cubs. I know the lighting was different, but the recent ones make those taken in November pale by comparison. Were the November ones with the new lens too?

[Roy]

Thanks Bruce. I had to go back and look. No, the one in November was taken with the old 75-300mm. I got the 70-200mm about a week later. I surprised myself!

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by Elsa

Beautiful! I was there that day as well. I didn't know half price day during spring break is typically the busiest and they broke their own record. Unfortunately when I was around the lions, a group was taunting them and Mom was not too happy.
http://www.elsasgallery.com/Lioness.html

It really annoys me that children are able to do things like that without their parents keeping them in line. Oh well, I don't want to open that can of worms.

Still, on a day last Novemeber when my wife and I were the only ones at the lion enclosure mama lion got a little upset. We we're trying to be quiet and not interfere with either her or the cubs. I never did figure out why.

[byarger]

Roy -

I really like your shots of the cubs. They were sleeping when we were there on Thursday, so not much action. Which version of the 70-200 is that you have? I do enjoy my f/4 version.

[Elsa]

John, that is a great shot.
Momma scared that particular group off.
Elsa

[Roy]

That's a good one of mama John. Back then those cubs had needle teeth and mama wasn't happy during that teething time so it might of had something to do with that look. Then again, maybe that's her way of smiling for the camera!...haha!!

Bob, Thanks for your comments. I've got the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L non IS. I love it but there is not a thing wrong with the f4L either. I just went with the 2.8 for those times where low light comes into play.

[evil4blue]

Roy,

These look great. I think I may have to "convince" my wife to go there this weekend.

Quick question, are these crops, or is 200mm really getting you that close?

[Roy]

Thanks Steve. These are cropped but not a lot. I could of put a TC on but didn't feel like I needed to. A 1.4 TC on a 200mm would probably be plenty if you want to be closer.

This weekend should be great weather for the zoo. Be sure to check out the baby giraffe born March 2nd if you go!