I know I'm' going to regret this come judging time but I want to see your best, most compelling, or different shot taken at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.

This challenge will close on July 12th at Noon EDST.

The Rules

Rules
1. Post ONE photo (max 1024x1024).
2. The photo must portray an interpretation of the theme.
3. Post your single picture in this thread and explain what motivated you to take the picture and/or how you feel it represents the weekly theme (especially if it's not obvious).
4. The challenge is interactive. Any response is welcome.
5. The judge will pick the WINNERS and choose one of them to be the judge for the next week.
6. This challenge runs for 7 days plus an additional day for the judge to choose the winners.
7. Any Pentax (or Ricoh DSLR ) camera can be used.
8. Pictures can be from any time frame, not just within the week of the current theme.
9. In case the winner of a challenge is unable to become the judge for the next challenge, then the winner will PM the #2 winner for that person to be the judge.

Examples:

Love the texture and tight crop in this one


Not a typical flamingo shot but I find all the heads blocking the view to be interesting.


This one evokes a human emotion even when it might not be the true emotion of the animal.


One for fun


Good luck to everyone.

Tim

[Bruce Clark]

A small monkey at Melbourne Zoo. Taken through a very thick and none too clean perspex window.

[ramseybuckeye]

These juvenile European Starlings go for a free ride on the back of a American Buffalo at Battelle Darby Creek Metropark near Columbus, Ohio. The buffaloes are in fenced pastures.

[loco]

This is Roary the orangutan at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

File Date

 

[slowpez]

Silverback giving me the eye.

[Max-E]

Sanctuaries play their part in conservation and let you get "close up and personal" with the animals, but I still prefer to see them running wild and free.

My departure from the cheetah enclosure was somewhat delayed as I was not inclined to press that button - they i turn were watching a warthog (not visible) running free on the other side of the fence. (Kragga Kamma Game Park)

[Tamia]

I Have You in My Eye A snapping turtle residing wild at a nature center.

[quant2325]

Zebras! Pentax 60-250mm. K-5

[atupdate]

This may be the first challenge I've judged where I have to draw the winner from a hat. Very impressive entries so far.

Tim

[rod_grant]

Pelicans vying for lunch @ Melbourne Zoo.

[noelpolar]

"Hands" Adelaide Zoo.

I'm somewhat confused over the concept of a Zoo.....I'm lost between thoughts of sadness for the animals not being free in their natural enviroment and thoughts that, given what it is, at least they are reasonably well looked after.....and hoping that the generations to come of us humans develop some real compassion for all animals.

Anyway, I like to ponder the minutia.... as I sit here with my hands crossed.....so here is part of a bigger picture:


Hands by Noel Leahy, on Flickr

[rod_grant]

Nice one Noel.
I've got a thumbnail nearly as black as those ones.
That fellow's probably won't fall off; mine will.

[bearhugs]

This lioness is a resident of the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River, New Jersey. The Popcorn Park was established in 1977 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge for wildlife that were sick, elderly, abandoned , abused, or injured, and which could no longer survive in its natural habitat. As time went on, the zoo expanded to include exotic and domestic animals. All the residents once faced these circumstances, as well as exploitation and illegal ownership. Over 200 of these animals and birds now live in spacious surroundings in the heart of the scenic Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey. Every resident has a story and every resident is allowed to live the rest of its life in peace.

I've been visiting this zoo for close to 40 years and have witnessed its growth and expansion. Years ago the animals were less caged. The deer and goats wandered freely among the residents. Geese were in an abundance. Peacocks roamed freely. About five years ago, a group of drunken teens broke into the zoo and slaughtered many animals. The cages went up to protect the animals, not the people.

The zoo is called Popcorn Park because visitors purchase popcorn to feed to the residents. The elephant and camel has since passed on, but four baboons have recently been rescued along with bobcats and cougars. If you are in the area, take the time to visit this zoo and its residents. Feed them popcorn and peanuts. Take your camera. Enjoy the day!

[noelpolar]

Nice one Noel.
I've got a thumbnail nearly as black as those ones.
That fellow's probably won't fall off; mine will.

Thanks Rod..... good luck with the nail!

[ramseybuckeye]

This may be the first challenge I've judged where I have to draw the winner from a hat. Very impressive entries so far.

Tim

Good luck with this job Tim, quite impressive!