grizabella

I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you. xx Run free beautiful Lucy.

A few more chimp pics: Galatea by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Soona by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Boyd by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri playing with big Boyd, so special to watch. :) Boyd and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Boyd and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Boyd and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

DD- She has a gorgeous temperament. A lot of people who know me say that Bella's personality is almost like a caricature of mine- we're pretty much a perfect match! She's a real sweetheart, and such a funny girl; regal and dignified one minute, a clown the next. Snook- Thank you!Bella has too many nice collars, it's a weakness of mine! A few more recent pics: 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

I just can't get over how gorgeous your babies are, Allerzeit! Orange girl is divine!

I expect it's from overgrooming from mum, her bald spot's actually gotten smaller. Zombi herself used to have a similar hairdo.

A few chimp pics from today, I did struggle rather with the harsh sunlight. Soona by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali enjoying his porridge by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Soona by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Boyd by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

A few pics from when I did the courses five years ago. :) Dharba by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Amani by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Manou's Free Flight by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Beautiful Cubba by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Jambi, Goblin and Jingga by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

I've done this, and would highly recommend it. Ozstar, I did not find it to be very physically demanding, most of the time was sitting in the classroom, and the practical work was either at one specific exhibit (so there would not be much of an issue of being left behind) or going around the zoo individually to take pictures and meet up later. Maybe it would be worth sending them a message to confirm whether it's something you'd be able to manage? I found it to be well worth it, and a fun experience.

Love the photos (especially the chimp ones, no surprises there)! Glad you had such a nice day for it. :)

Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Galatea by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri and 'Uncle' Boyd by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tsotsi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Gombe by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Gombe by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Bella by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Tsotsi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tsotsi and Boyd by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali and Gombe by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tsotsi and Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Galatea by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tsotsi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Sandali by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Galatea by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Haha, it does rather look like Kluet is wearing a wig! I get as close to the glass as possible, usually I can avoid glare and reflections (or at least the worst of it!) but it can really be a challenge at times. I'm cautiously excited about Karta's pregnancy, and crossing everything for the happy outcome they deserve! It will be so special of Karta is finally able to raise a baby. :)

I am so sorry for your loss. Run free Myrtie. xx

I had a lovely visit to see Adelaide Zoo's beautiful orangutans today, both of them came right up to the window (only the second time I've ever seen them come right up). Kluet looks huge up close! Kluet Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr This was as far as I could zoom out- like I said, they were really close! Such a treat for me. :) Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Kluet by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Karta I'm so chuffed with this shot! Karta by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Unfortunate glare on the glass, unavoidable due to other visitors not staying still :p Karta by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Karta by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Karta by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

If I am in a position to get a really large dog next time, he will be a Leonberger or a Newfoundland and I will name him Fezzik after the character in Princess Bride. In theory anyway, I had a name picked out for Bella (Niamh) before I got her, but when she arrived I just ended up keeping the name her breeders gave her, even though I don't like the name!

Some photos from today's visit to Monarto Zoo: Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zombi and Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Tsotsi by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Soona by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri and Galatea by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri playing with Gombe by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

I use a 70-300mm lens, the reach is very useful, especially at Monarto!

I'd definitely recommend getting a zoo membership, especially if you live near Monarto. I find photographing animals at the zoo to be a lot of fun, there are definitely challenges (like mucky, reflecty glass- grrr!) but it's always enjoyable.

Some photos of our lovely Zwala who passed away yesterday. She will be missed. Vale Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr She was always a super 'auntie' to baby Zuri, it is so sad that she will never be a mother herself. Zuri and Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr Zuri and Zwala by PTroglodytes, on Flickr

Awesome shot!

I so want to give it a whirl with Bella- when she's not in season we'll definitely give it a go!

She was such a dear old thing, it's sad to think of never seeing her again. She was always the first chimp I'd look for too, just to make sure she was still around.

50-60 years old is quite common in captivity, but I don't think many pass 60. Taronga Zoo has had three ladies reach 60 in recent years, quite an achievement.

whoops- posted twice