grizabella

koalathebear- What beautiful group photos! I just love Hoover's smile in the last one. :)

Wow, it's super to see a recent picture of Willow, I've still been thinking of her as being a little puppy! Thank you, I'll be sure to share your compliments with her. :) The colour/pattern is called deer grizzle.

Happy birthday Athena! A lot of self control there, what a star! I must say, I find Athena's birthday dinner to look rather more appealing than the massive 'cake', though I think Miss Bella would have a hard time choosing between the two dinners.

I loved the old 'pack pictures' thread, but unfortunately it's passed the time frame for adding more posts. I think it would be great fun to see some more recent pictures of everyone's canine families- one can never look at too many beautiful dogs! Here is my pack, just the one dog at the moment. Bella would like to think that she has such a big personality that she is equal to an actual pack of dogs. Hopefully, sometime in the next two to five years, she will be joined by another Saluki. Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

A few more, of Bella showing her 'fun' side. :) Play? by PTroglodytes, on Flickr I'm sure I can see a mad glint in her eye... Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr The little monster had jumped over the barrier at lure racing to take a short cut through the middle of the field. She seemed rather pleased with herself. Bella takes a shortcut! by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Hover-Saluki Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

:laugh: If it's any consolation, I tend to do that on a daily basis- I'd love to have a second one! Occasionally someone will recognise the breed, and I always get very excited when it happens, but usually she is greeted with "what kind of dog is that?" or "is that a greyhound/Afghan?". She does look quite dignified in these pictures... but she can certainly be anything but! She is either a regal, classy lady or a nutty little clown depending on what mood you catch her in.

Thought I'd start a thread in which to share pictures of my little madam. :) Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Bella is my first dog as an adult, I had an absolute sweetheart of a golden retriever, Tiggy, growing up. Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Coming back home tomorrow- I'm so excited to see Bella, but sad that my amazing trip will be over!

Last couple of photos from Monkey World: Kiki by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Seamus by PTroglodytes, on Flickr And a couple from Twycross Zoo, in black and white because the lighting in the indoor enclosures was pretty dire. Colour versions are on Flickr though. ;) Danny (B&W) by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tommy (B&W) by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Wow piper, your cheetah photos are stunning! I have to do one of the members' breakfasts sometime, it sounds great.

I did have a photo thread for Bella, but it's been so long since I've posted in it that I'll have to start a new one. This is the old thread: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/230280-some-photos-of-bella/page__p__5607381__hl__bella__fromsearch__1#entry5607381 Here are a few pictures from my second visit to Monkey World in this trip: Thelma by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Rodders by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Hebe by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Thelma and Cherri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Seamus by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Ash by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Cherri, Thelma and Simon by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

A few pics from my visit to Monkey World yesterday. The centre rescues and rehabilitates many primates from around the world, from laboratories, the pet trade and entertainment industry. I've been a few times and it is one of my absolute favourite places. Most of my photos are of chimps- more on Flickr! Bryan by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Jess by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Cherri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Baby Thelma was born to Cherri in September after an unexpected pregnancy resulted in twins. Sadly, little Louise didn't make it, but so far Thelma is thriving and it is so special to see her loved by all the other chimps. Thelma by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Ash by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Thelma by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Cherri, Thelma and Patricia by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Seamus is one of my favourite chimps, he's the one who started my interest in apes. :) Seamus by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Thelma by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

I agree with you Steve and Aussie3. That he was bred at all is what I consider to be poor population management, although that is the way species are managed in European zoos.

While I find the public nature of Marius to be distasteful, I am glad that he was allowed to live those two years rather than removed from his mother straight away, which surely would have been more traumatic for her. I agree that if culling is to be done, it should not be done in such a manner that it becomes 'entertainment'. With regards to gorillas, at the moment castration of 'excess' males is happening more in European zoos (which I don't agree with, but that's a whole different subject!), otherwise bachelor groups and less breeding could be solutions. Taronga also has two males off display, and I am very curious to know what will become of them. It is of course possible that euthanasia may be considered as an option for this species as well, which I find repulsive, if it becomes too difficult to place males.

I assumed that would be the case, thanks. *Cough* white lions/tigers.. inbred, churned out to zoos everywhere at the expense of normal coloured lions/tigers. While a natural genetic mutation does have it's place, and I can understand people wanting to preserve it, Sadly everything Big Cat White is now bred for "pretty" zoo pics and money... can't forget money! those things are big fundraisers! The white tigers in particular are a genetic mess yet they still take up money and room in places where actual threatened species of tiger could be held As for lions? Do you see many Asiatic lions in zoo? (you would if they're white...) Yes, I already know at least one person who is going to jump in here like a White *natch* Knight to defend them.... Outlawed in Australia now Still a long way to go elsewhere though... It's good to hear that white lions and tigers are no longer bred in Australia. I know Mogo Zoo in NSW has bred them in the past.

Some pictures from Artis Zoo in Amsterdam... with more on Flickr. I found a lot of the enclosures at the zoo to be too small for my liking, but I was impressed by the range of species, including many not really seen in Australian zoos. Asian Elephant Calf by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Wolf by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Douli by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Akili by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Binti and Bembosi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Binti and Bembosi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Ankole Cattle by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Spectacled Bear by PTroglodytes, on Flickr African Painted Dog by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

I wonder if culling does occur over here in zoo populations of deer, antelope etc. that live in groups with only one male? I think it is a huge shame that Marius was not transferred into another zoo, but as KC said, maybe it just wasn't possible within the European zoos' laws and guidelines.

You don't make the slaughtering and butchery an "event". Ditto... T. Agreed. The way they have gone about it has been appalling. But by boundaries I meant, what species is it acceptable to kill and feed out to carnivores?

I can understand why this method of management occurs- thanks kelpiecuddles for that different perspective on the matter, but I am personally in the camp of 'don't breed if the animal will have no future'. The public spectacle that was made of Marius' death is downright disturbing to me, it seems so disrespectful. I believe that controlled breeding is the more ethical option. On the other hand, why is killing a giraffe (individuals with no conservation value) for meat and killing a domestic animal for meat any different? Is it not better to feed zoo carnivores animals that have been raised with care in a zoo, rather than farmed animals which (certainly in the case of factory farms) may not have had such a pleasant life. But then where do we draw boundaries? The lion situation I can see no positives to whatsoever. Why would they let the population get so large that they could not safely manage them? It seems that drawing in visitors with cute cubs was the reasoning, which to me is so wrong.

She sure is beautiful! I can't wait to see more photos and watch her grow. :)

It's possible that it's not even the enclosure itself that's the problem, it's possible that they don't like being watched by the public. It is a bit of a pain for those of us who want to be able to see them properly! I guess it just makes it more of a treat when the orangs are out and about. At least you can go and see the gorillas or chimps if the orangs are hiding! I feel very fortunate to have seen Willow using the main enclosure twice during my six days visiting Taronga. She seemed very keen to get back indoors as soon as possible- maybe she prefers a roof over her head (a lot of gorillas do, not sure if it's a common orang thing too!) or doesn't like being watched? She is a beautiful orangutan by anyone's standards, she has just one of the loveliest orang faces I've seen. Willow by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Unfortunately, the orangutans can't be forced to do what they don't want to. It is a shame that they don't utilise the enclosure, but it's still their choice. Captive orangutans can be VERY lazy creatures! I do think that a bigger, better indoor enclosure could be a good viewing solution, if time and money permits. Our orangutan feeds and keeper talks at Adelaide are when the sunlight is bad as well, no good for photos most of the time!

For a bit of fun... Kluet through the years! 2008: Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr 2009: Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr 2010: Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr 2011 (some BIG changes in his appearance): Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr 2012: Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr 2013 Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

I do wonder if the reluctance of Adelaide's orangs has something to do with the structure of the climbing frame and ropes, which has been changed around since the days when they seemed to climb a lot more. I guess it could also have to do with the fact that Kluet is so much larger these days, maybe it is more comfortable for him to just stay on the ground. I think Kluet's always had a bit of a blanket obsession, but it could well be a more recent thing for Karta. Ooh, I can't wait to see your pics from Singapore Zoo! It sounds like they have an amazing set up for their orangs. :) I think back in the day the orangs were given more sacks than blankets. Kluet shows off the latest fashion accessory by PTroglodytes, on Flickr