Random

I'm already at the point that I'd rather get these pictures posted than worry about categorizing them well or having well written thoughts to accompany the pictures.  So here are random pictures.  Enjoy!  

Monkeys and Mongooses

I missed going to the zoo last week, so I actually got caught up on all the pictures I have taken so far and ran out of anything to post for a few days.  I'm sure it won't last long and I'll get behind again, but I will try not to.  Going to the zoo again yesterday really reminded me why I make it a priority to go every week.  I'm just in love with our zoo!  I love the fresh air, the exercise, the opportunity to practice taking pictures and to try new things without pressure, the opportunity to practice editing pictures and to try new techniques with that, and most importantly, watching these stunning creatures.  I'm pretty shy and introverted, but when I'm at the zoo, I often find myself talking to strangers and it doesn't bother me, especially if we are talking about the animals!  In other words, going to the zoo is not just good for my physical health, but also my mental and emotional health.  It refuels and refreshes my soul in a way that few other things can.  😊

Black and White

Sometimes when I'm editing, I'll just get this curiosity that I want to know what a picture would look like if it were black and white.  Unfortunately, all too often, I feel busy and rushed and I don't take the time to change things up.  I am SO glad that I took the time when editing this batch of zoo pictures.  I LOVE the way these pictures pop in black and white.  When color is taken away, it becomes much easier to focus on the textures in the photographs.  I'm so in love with these!!  😍

Australian Adventure

It has also been a while since I went through the Australian Adventure so I thought it might be nice to check out the animals there again.  There wasn't too much movement, but it was nice to watch the animals.

Sharks and Stingrays

I felt it had been too long since I went and saw some of these animals, so I decided to check them out.  I'm glad I did!  It was so neat to be in the building all by myself as I watched these beautiful sharks gracefully swimming.

Sea Lions and Penguins (500th Post!!)

First I want to start by saying I can't believe this is my 500th post!  Wow!  I didn't think I would be such an active blogger, but I love this easy way for me to document my work and share it with anyone who is interested.  So thank you for joining me on this journey!  😊

While I was walking towards the Indonesian Rain forest, I could hear quite the commotion coming from the sea lion enclosure.  I didn't think too much of it.  But after I was done walking through the rain forest, I walked over to the sea lions and quickly figured out what was going on.  The number of sea lions had doubled from 2 to 4!  Elektra and Valkyrie were exploring their new home for the first time.  They were so curious to see everything around them!

Random

I played a bit of hide and seek with Raury, the clouded leopard.  She's probably my favorite animal at the zoo.  She's gorgeous!!  😍

Red Pandas

I love watching Anne and Oolong together!  They are both SO cute!  Although I have to admit, I think I prefer Oolong with his much more prominent red face.  He is so cute!  😍

Sumatran Tiger

I was SO happy to see Indah up near the fence (I mean, I think it was her and not Bugara, but I could be wrong)!  She was stalking some kids that were running back and forth.  She paced along side them, and occasionally looked up, spotting me through the glass.  I stayed for a while, even after the kids left.  She's such a magnificent creature!