
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”
—A.A. Milne
I went to the Sacramento Zoo by myself this week. It was a cool day and many of the animals weren’t outside, but I really enjoyed my own company and being able to spend as much time as I liked at each spot.
As it turns out, the last time I photographed the zoo was one year ago. It was fun to look back on those images to see if my photography skills have improved. Let me know what you think and have a wonderful day!











- Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
You definitely got some gorgeous shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went back to your June 13, 2022, post to compare the pictures. The older photos were great, but I think the recent ones are better. Great job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for doing that! Yes, I think I see some growth in my editing for sure. I appreciate you viewing both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the Giraffe, they are so amazing! All good photos, Bridgette, and having some alone time is always good for you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Yes, it was hard to get a giraffe photo where it looked more natural and not wires and walls. I was happy this one looks like he might be out in the wild 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job, Bridgette! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pics! I love visiting the zoo 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I just found out our zoo is moving and that’s why some of the animals weren’t out. I’ve been going there for over 40 years so it’s kind of sad to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😞
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that someone would go to a zoo and take pictures of a duck, a goose and a squirrel. That’s someone who would be my friend.
Well appreciation to be had both, older visit and today’s. Confess, I like the experience of my feet walking around a zoo. The wandering, the sitting longer than reasonable folk, go ahead – walk away, you’re missing it. There is more in one moment than many folk think. I think you kind of demonstrate that Bridgette. Nice.
But zoo’s, also, a poor expression of love. There’s a gradient here perhaps. Perhaps not. Question is – how do we want to live in this world? Answers will take some real and hard work I think.
Million years ago, the forgotten John Lily was the only one to propose a shared environment, human to dolphin where each species got to choose their engagement. We as a people didn’t see. (such happens when a flag waves in my face) You know how much I admire what you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Neil! Yes, I did chuckle at myself that the best pictures were of the ducks and squirrels. I’ve always found zoos problematic, some more than others. It makes me sad to see an animal pace or look upset, but I try and remember a lot of them were bred in captivity and are ambassadors for their species. The best zoos are those that provide the animals with large enclosures and also raise money for their counterparts in the wild—the Oakland Zoo is known for both. I do think we have to keep in mind the purpose behind a zoo and the care the animals receive.
LikeLike
I understand what you say. I do. My current stance however is after being re-educated by The Lion Whisper (South Africa/YouTube) who makes home for wild animals no longer fit to survive on their own. He still sees, loves the wildness of their lives. Because he is so engaged with them, they regard him as part of their pride, so he is free to be inside the controlled areas with them. They gladly greet & head-butt with him. Beautiful. But Kevin Richardson has also talked about many “animal parks” who regard their cats as “commodities” – meaning kindness absent. I’ve seen that too. Yes difficult. However.
This is the only place where I’m the least bit Catholic – we are here to appreciate and protect the lives we share with on this world. Convenience is not important. To me – writing, you know, takes dedication and work – so too, how we hold all our relationships – it takes work. Maybe we go TO them. Maybe no certainty what we will or will not see. Just wanna eat candy, have it ALL our way, then we will inherit a lifeless world (and maybe we won’t even notice – nor anyone “us” if WE fade away). Don’t think the universe will care if we don’t survive. (is that a soapbox? maybe I don’t care)
Knew a big game hunter once. Not my choice, but I respected one element of his process. Mostly big bears were who he shot, but he always choose a gun “just strong enough” to do the job if aimed exactly right. If you failed your part, the bears, even if hit, would still have the strength to run you down – and now you are dead. Fair is fair, if you must. All meaning – respect – even from a hunter.
no popcorn please.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make some compelling arguments. You won’t find me in disagreement. I think we often justify our behavior, but our impact on the planet is becoming more and more evident as species die off at a rapid pace.
LikeLike
They all look so cute and so serene. I can’t remember the animal’s name in #5, and #6. I saw them in BBC or animal planet. LOL. They are soooo cute. I feel like petting them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are meerkats and I love them! They are so interesting and have such complex social dynamics. I agree, super cute!
LikeLike
Your quote at the very top was fascinating. AA Milne was around at the turn of the Twentieth century so this has obviously been an issue for as long as that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally. I suppose it might be considered ironic to use that quote when referring to a zoo, but I think we can learn a lot from watching animals, even in captivity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Songs are a really good way of capturing the mood at the time. People will say that awareness about climate change (for example) started in the Nineties, yet Marvin Gaye was singing about it in the Sixties, so it must have been a “thing” then. It makes you realise how society does not really learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous pictures. You did have some awesome shots last year, but I do think you can see the improvement, in the…umm framing? Also the lighting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Yes, I think the lighting is maybe what I noticed the most. My editing skills might be getting better. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful imagery!! Well done 👏🏽👏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you think so! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photography
LikeLike
Nice job with these photos! You captured so much detail that I’m noticing colors I didn’t see before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a great compliment! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful portraits Bridgette 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you think so! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Bridgette, These photos are really good – I did’nt see last year’s but can confidently state you sure have a talent.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How kind! Thank you.
LikeLike
First heading thought is true. Really nice wrote the thought.
All animals photo are very good. Excellent photography.
Which bird is first one?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The top image is a duck with her babies and #1 is a goose. Not really very exotic birds, but I really liked them both. Thank you for the kind words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too both them! Really nice birds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to say 5 and 6 because those are so darned cute! Meerkats, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! They are some of my favorite animals to watch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the expressions you captured on their faces….some of them need those thought bubble captions! LOL Beautiful job, Bridgette! 💞💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really do! Thank you, Dawn. I’m so happy you enjoyed my photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
up close and personal, nice photos.
LikeLike