Meerkats, Lemurs, Gorillas and Such: Selected Portraits

I have mixed feelings about Zoos. I feel terrible about the captive status of some of the animals, especially the Elephants and birds. But sometimes, and for some animals, I think that if I were them, I wouldn't mind not worrying about being someone's dinner for a change. I support recent efforts to make these captive environments more custom tailored and natural to each different animal species. It is very rare for me to go to a zoo, but last week I had a hankering for the exotic and decided to make a trip to the city zoo when I had a little free time on Saturday.  About 90 percent of the people there were young families. Zoos perform a valuable function in the education of the young about all the creatures that share the earth. If they can communicate and engender a greater love for animals and the environment in the next generation, then I can understand their function. And so I offer up a few portraits of some of the beautiful creatures we are privileged to share the earth with.

The lemurs were the most active while I was there. A lot of the animals have a particular knack for turning their backs on you when you want a picture. But the Lemurs were letting it all hang out. 

  Of course I love the birds....

 This little guy caught my eye. I never did catch his name.

The chimps were getting a little snack and this old guy was taking it all in stride. 

This Gorilla was so great. His pose here reminded me of figure drawing classes. 

  Poignant images of the young as they express amazement were common. 

  This Meerkat was just begging for his photo-op.

  And the Elephants.....

The zoo tugs at my heart is many ways.....from thankfulness for the diversity and beauty of life to thoughts of the urgent tasks ahead to ensure its continuance, the zoo surely makes one reflect on our place and our duty as stewards of the Earth.