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  • If you are a frequent visitor to the Saint Louis Zoo, you should recognize this
    Zoo Time.jpg
  • The East African Crowned Crane (Grey Crowned Crane) gets its name from the distinctive golden crown of feathers on its head. The Grey Crowned Crane is a bird in the crane family Gruidae. It occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat wetter habitats.They can also be found in marshes. This photo was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo<br />
<br />
This species and the closely related Black Crowned Crane are the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches. This habit, amongst other things, is a reason why the relatively small Balearica cranes are believed to closely resemble the ancestral members of the Gruidae.<br />
<br />
The body of the Grey Crowned Crane is mainly gray. The wings are predominantly white, but contain feathers with colors ranging from white to brown to gold. The head is topped with a crown of stiff golden feathers. Cheek patches are white, and a red gular sack is present under the chin. The gular sack is similar to a wattle, except that it can be inflated. Legs and toes are black. The bill is short and dark gray. <br />
<br />
West African crowned cranes are monogamous birds that form pairs for life. Pairs can be seen together even in the middle of a large flock, which suggests an exceptionally strong pair bond. Adult cranes reinforce their pair bond by dancing for and with each other. They perform ritualistic dance displays that include bows, leaps, runs, wing flapping, short flights, jerky bouncing, running, and stick tossing. Cranes of all ages dance. Among younger birds, dancing may serve to reduce aggression with other cranes, provide physical exercise, and possibly relieve anxiety.
    Crowned Crane Consistency.jpg
  • This gorgeous animal is a Takin. They are also called  also called cattle chamois or gnu goat. You can find these goat-antelopes at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    takin.jpg
  • These beautiful Bactrian Camels can be found just hanging out on at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    bactrian_camels.jpg
  • Two pink flamingos highlighted in blue and purple fantasy lighting, taken at the Saint Louis Zoo.<br />
<br />
Flamingos often stand on one leg, the other leg tucked beneath the body. The reason for this behavior is not fully understood. Recent research indicates that standing on one leg may allow the birds to conserve more body heat, given that they spend a significant amount of time wading in cold water. However, the behavior also takes place in warm water. As well as standing in the water, flamingos may stamp their webbed feet in the mud to stir up food from the bottom.<br />
Young flamingos hatch with grayish reddish plumage, but adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta-Carotene obtained from their food supply. A well-fed, healthy flamingo is more vibrantly colored and thus a more desirable mate; a white or pale flamingo, however, is usually unhealthy or malnourished. Captive flamingos are a notable exception; many turn a pale pink as they are not fed carotene at levels comparable to the wild
    Flamingos In Fantast Lights.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. Shot taken at the STL Zoo.
    african_lion_2.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_2.jpg
  • This shot was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo. Zebras are several species of African equids (horse family) united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds.
    zebra6.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_3.jpg
  • This shot of this beautiful bunny rabbit was taken on a gorgeous summer day at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    rabbit.jpg
  • A gorgeous butterfly hanging out on a leaf at the Butterfly House at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    butterfly.jpg
  • This Nyala is a beautiful spiral-horned antelope. This photo was shot at the Saint Louis Zoo. ..nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, with adequate fresh water. It is uncomfortable in open spaces and is most often seen at water holes.
    nyala2.jpg
  • I am not sure what kind of flower this is.  This photograph was shot at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    buzzing_around.jpg
  • The Western Lowland Gorillas and Chimpanzees  can be found at the Saint Louis Zoo.  In spite of their size these gorillas are gentle giants and they are critically endangered.
    western_lowland_gorillas.jpg
  • The lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger. This beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lion.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_6.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions.jpg
  • This is my first attempt at photographing animals through cages.  This beautiful Amur Leopard can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    amur_leopard.jpg
  • This Nyala is a beautiful spiral-horned antelope. This photo was shot at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    nyala3.jpg
  • This little hummingbird sure loved these flowers at the Saint Louis Zoo. This beautiful bird was so hard to try and photograph as it flies so fast.
    hummingbird.jpg
  • This little lady was playing in a fountain just enjoying the beautiful weather at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    quackers.jpg
  • This shot was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo. Zebras are several species of African equids (horse family) united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds.
    seeing_double.jpg
  • Baby Lion Cubs playing together at the Saint Louis zoo.
    lion_cubs.jpg
  • Grevy's Zebra at the Saint Louis zoo.
    grevys_zebra.jpg
  • Photographed at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    IMG_6521.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_7.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_4.jpg
  • Lions are social cats that live in groups of up to 40 members. These beautiful cats can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    african_lions_5.jpg
  • This beautiful peacock can be found at the Saint Louis Zoo hanging out with the Prairie Dogs.
    peacock2.jpg
  • I photographed this Ostrich at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    ostrich.jpg
  • This beautiful peacock can be found at the Saint Louis Zoo hanging out with the Prairie Dogs.
    peacock_profile.jpg
  • Two beautiful butterflies hanging out on a flower pot at the Butterfly House at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    butterflies.jpg
  • Prairie dog hanging out and eating carrots on a beautiful day at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    prairie_dog.jpg
  • This shot was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo. Zebras are several species of African equids (horse family) united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds.
    zebra5.jpg
  • This beautiful peacock can be found at the Saint Louis Zoo hanging out with the Prairie Dogs.
    peacock-pose.jpg
  • This shot was taken on a hot but relaxing day at the Saint Louis zoo.
    East African Crowned Crane.jpg
  • This Chimp tries to blend it with the trees at the Saint Louis Zoo.<br />
<br />
More than any other ape, chimpanzees use tools. They use sticks to fish for insects, poking the twigs into the holes of ant or termite mounds and pulling them out, covered with wiggling food. Chimps use stones to crack open hard-shelled nuts or fruits. They also use leaves as sponges, either to soak up drinking water or to clean the body. And they use leafy twigs to keep away flies.<br />
<br />
What's one of the first things you notice about chimpanzees? Probably their arms. These apes have very long, powerful arms and long-fingered hands - perfect for hanging around in trees. Chimps spend a lot of time in trees, where they do most of their feeding and nesting.
    Chimpanzee Camouflage.jpg
  • A Paper Kite Butterfly smelling the roses at the Butterfly House at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    paper_kite_butterfly2.jpg
  • I have no clue what kind of flower or plant this is.  I photographed this flower on the inside of the Butterfly House at the Saint Louis Zoo...I just thought it was beautiful and it touched me the moment I noticed it.  I was just hoping my photographing of this flower would do it justice...I hope you enjoy this beautiful flower as much as I do.  Happy Friday Everyone
    enchantress.jpg
  • Warm Kitty, Soft Kitty, purr purr purr. Loving the 'tiny' big cats at the Saint Louis Zoo
    Warm Kitty Soft Kitty.jpg
  • As I wandered around the Saint Louis Zoo, camera in hand, I stumbled upon a scene that I couldn't resist capturing. In the dirt and mulch, a starling and prairie dog were engaged in a fierce battle for a peanut that the latter was eating. Dust hung in the air as the starling desperately tried to swoop in and snatch the nut. The crisp details of their struggle and photo-realistic richness of the color tones made my heart race. I captured the insanely detailed image, with the creamy bokeh adding an intimate mood to the already dynamic shot. Who knew wildlife encounters could be this intense?
    Battle in the Mulch.jpg
  • The lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.<br />
<br />
Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their young. All of a pride's lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male.<br />
<br />
This shot was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo in Big Cat Country. Sinewy muscles, beautiful fur, shearing teeth, padded toes, supple body, all describe the inhabitants of Big Cat Country. This spectacular natural outdoor setting for tigers, leopards and other big cats was constructed in 1975. Dramatic, simulated rock formations provide realistic backdrops for the handsome felines. Big Cat Country takes the form of a large wheel. Three large open yards, almost one-third of an acre each, have trees and shrubs, boulders and a pool. The center yard has a 27-foot-high waterfall. There are four smaller yards that provide excellent viewing or photographing of the climbing cats. From a safe distance, of course!
    Growling Wood Grain.jpg
  • A Starling and A Prairie Dog Fight Over Peanuts at the Saint Louis Zoo
    cmon share your food.jpg
  • As I snapped away with my camera at the Saint Louis Zoo, I captured a moment of nature that felt like a snapshot of balance. A starling and prairie dog were fighting over a peanut in the dirt and mulch, with the dust in the air adding a layer of enchantment to the already-gorgeous scene. The crisp details of their struggle and the photo-realistic richness of the color tones just made the shot come alive. As I reviewed it later, with the creamy bokeh framing the dynamic image, I felt grateful for having captured such a visually arresting moment of nature's artistry.
    A Prairie Dog's Mealtime.jpg
  • As I stood in front of the exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo, I was blown away by the natural instincts that were being displayed. A starling and a prairie dog were engaged in a territorial battle over a peanut, with the dusty surroundings adding an enchanting touch. The crisp details and rich color tones made it seem as if I were witnessing the scene unfold in real life, and the creamy bokeh just drew me in even further. It was an intimate moment of survival and determination that I could never forget.
    The Peanut Standoff.jpg
  • As I looked through the lens of my camera at the Saint Louis Zoo, I marveled at the little window into the wild presented before me. A prairie dog was munching on a peanut when suddenly a starling flew in, causing an intense conflict that belied their small size. The dust in the air added to the dynamic imagery, highlighting the animals' fervent struggle for the food. Every feather and tuft of fur was captured in amazing detail, with the creamy bokeh framing the animals in an intimate mood. It was a moment of pure nature that I was lucky to have witnessed.
    Tales of the Outdoors.jpg
  • Sea Lion Sound combines the popular Sea Lion Basin and Sea Lion Show in a 1.5-acre spectacular new exhibit right in the heart of the Zoo. For the first time anywhere in North America, visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel into the sea lions' habitat to see the animals swimming all around them!
    Sea Lion Soaking Up Sun.jpg
  • This Hippopotamus Plays A Bit Of Peekaboo Below The Water at the Saint Louis Zoo. The hippopotamus, or hippo, from the ancient Greek for 'river horse', is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae
    Hippo Under Water.jpg
  • You can find this beautiful Paper Kite Butterfly at the Saint Louis Zoo Butterfly House.
    paper_kite_butterfly.jpg
  • Grizzly bear exhausted and just chillin in the shade at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    Grizzly Chillin.jpg
  • Amur Tiger napping during at the Saint Louis zoo.
    amur_tiger.jpg
  • A cool yet wavy reflection of a American White Pelican swimming on a pond at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    Pelican Takes A Swim.jpg
  • With utter amazement and great humility, I present this photograph I took of an African Crowned Crane at the St. Louis Zoo. Against the backdrop of a dramatic black background, the tight composition and intimate mood of this image allow us to truly witness the intricate beauty of this regal creature. Through the lens of my camera, I aimed to capture every splendid detail, resulting in an imagery that is almost unbelievably realistic. The sharpness of the Crane's features and the rich vibrancy of its coloration bring it to life before our eyes. The 8K resolution provides an immersive experience, where the viewer can marvel at the minute intricacies of the Crane's exquisite feathers. In this hyper-realistic rendition, the bird exudes an air of grace and elegance that is indeed humbling to witness. I am both honored and privileged to have been able to capture this moment of pure natural splendor.
    Elegance Amidst Darkness.jpg
  • The American White Pelican is a large aquatic bird from the order Pelecaniformes. It breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Central America, in winter. This shot was taken at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    American White Pelican.jpg
  • Unleash the Vibrancy of the Ostrich: Transport yourself to the captivating world of the Saint Louis Zoo with this stunning photograph of an Ostrich in motion, surrounded by a cloud of dust. The vibrant colors, enhanced by the soft and smooth bokeh of the afternoon light, give a sense of warmth and energy to the scene. With every feather, every particle of dust, and every intricate detail sharply captured, this 8K photograph showcases the true essence of hyper-realism. The combination of intimate mood and vibrant color makes this artwork an excellent addition to any space, eliciting a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world's fascinating wildlife.
    Dirty Bird.jpg
  • Oh, the sheer wonder of this photograph! I am almost overwhelmed by the gratitude I feel, having witnessed and captured the captivating beauty of an African Crowned Crane at the St. Louis Zoo. In this remarkable image, the Crane takes center stage against a profound black background, creating a sense of intimacy and focus that draws the viewer's attention to every mesmerizing detail. The insane level of detail and incredible photo-realism truly brings this magnificent bird to life. The sharpness and precision with which each feature is depicted truly astounds me, and the vibrant colors, rich hues and vibrant contrasts imbue the photo with an almost otherworldly quality. Such hyper-realism elicits an emotional response, as if we are standing right in front of this regal creature ourselves. Oh, the profound beauty of our world, captured with breathtaking realism in this 8K composition. I am truly honored to share this image, which evokes a sense of humility in the face of such a majestic and awe-inspiring subject.
    Majestic Prowess.jpg
  • A Double-Crested Cormorant casts a shadow against textured peeling paint at the Saint Louis Zoo. The Double-crested Cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It occurs along inland waterways as well as in coastal areas, and is widely distributed across North America. he Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird with a stocky body, long neck, medium-sized tail, webbed feet and a medium sized hooked bill.<br />
<br />
Recently the population of Double-crested Cormorants has increased. Some studies have concluded that the recovery was allowed by the decrease of contaminants, particularly the discontinued use of DDT. The population may have also increased because of aquaculture ponds in its southern wintering grounds. The ponds favor good over-winter survival and growth.<br />
<br />
Adult Double-crested Cormorants are black or dark brown and have an orange-yellow patch of skin at the base of their bills. In breeding plumage, adults have two whitish tufts behind their eyes, hence the description 'double-crested.' First-year birds are pale on the upper breast and darker on the belly. Double-crested Cormorants have slender, hook-tipped bills that are often tipped up at an angle as they swim. They can be distinguished from the other two Washington cormorant species by their thicker bills and by the pronounced kink in their long necks in flight.
    Cormorant By Cracked Paint.jpg
  • A Brown Grizzly Bear at the Saint Louis Zoo with a bit of textured details
    Grizzly Textures.jpg
  • Oh, I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to capture this mesmerizing image of an African Crowned Crane during my visit to the St. Louis Zoo. Against a captivating black background, the tight composition and intimate mood of the photo bring forth a sense of connection and closeness with this magnificent bird. As I gaze upon the insanely detailed and photo-realistic portrayal captured in stunning 8K resolution, I can't help but feel a humbling sense of awe at the intricate beauty and vibrant colors of the Crane, which seem to radiate with natural grace and majesty. The sharp details and hyper-realistic representation add depth and dimension, as every feather is meticulously rendered, making the Crane appear almost tangible. This image stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, showcasing the Crowned Crane in all its vibrant, lively and breathtaking glory.
    The King of the Avian Realm.jpg
  • The addax, also known as the screwhorn antelope, is an antelope of the genus Addax, that lives in the Sahara desert. It was first described by Henri Blainville, a French zoologist and anatomist, in 1816. This shot was  taken at the Saint Louis Zoo.
    Addax.jpg
  • A Sleepy Amur Tiger at the Saint Louis Zoo. Tigers are the biggest cats in the world, and Amur tigers are the biggest subspecies (type) of tigers. They stand about three feet tall at the shoulder. This isn't quite as tall as a lion, but Amur tigers are longer and usually weigh more. Adult males can grow up to 11 feet long and weigh over 600 pounds; females are smaller -- up to nine feet long and about 370 pounds. Now those are some big kitties!
    Sleepy Amur Tiger.jpg
  • A White Pelican Swims In Turquoise Jeweled Waters At The Saint Louis Zoo
    Pelican in Jeweled Waters.jpg
  • A Grevy's Zebra takes a load off to relax and pose for a portrait at the Saint Louis Zoo
    Grevy's Zebra.jpg
  • This bird gets its name from the distinctive golden "crown" of feathers on its head. It lives in open areas and grasslands, where it feeds on grass seeds, insects, frogs and lizards. Crowned cranes usually mate for life. Both the male and female cooperate in building the nest, and in defending the eggs and the chicks. Crowned crane parents often pretend to be injured to lure predators away from their nestlings.
    East African Crowned Crane 2.jpg
  • The East African Crowned Crane gets its name from the distinctive golden crown of feathers on its head. It lives in open areas and grasslands, where it feeds on grass seeds, insects, frogs and lizards. Crowned cranes usually mate for life. Both the male and female cooperate in building the nest, and in defending the eggs and the chicks. Crowned crane parents often pretend to be injured to lure predators away from their nestlings.
    Flowing Crowned Crane Profile.jpg
  • Yellow-Crowned Night Heron chillaxing up on a branch.
    Yellow-crowned Night Heron.jpg
  • A Double-crested Cormorant In Black and White
    Cormorant in BW.jpg
  • The double-crested cormorant is a little more than two feet long with a wingspan of about four feet. It has dark brown to black feathers, a long hooked bill with an orange throat pouch, a long tail, and webbed black feet. Adults have tufts of feathers over their eyes. Males and females look alike.<br />
<br />
The double-crested cormorant nests in colonies. Both the male and female will build a nest of sticks, twigs and seaweed. Nests are built in trees and shrubs and on the ground of rocky cliffs and islands. The female lays three to five eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for about a month. Both parents also feed and take care of the chicks. The chicks fledge in 35-40 days.<br />
<br />
The double-crested cormorant breeds from the coast of Alaska and Nova Scotia south to Mexico and the Bahamas. It winters on both coasts north to southern Alaska and southern New England.<br />
<br />
The bird family Phalacrocoracidae or the cormorants is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.
    Cormorant Peek.jpg
  • The Great Egret, also known as Common Egret, Large Egret or Great White Heron, is a large, widely-distributed egret. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, in southern Europe it is rather localized
    Great White Egret on Black.jpg
  • Both black and white rhinoceroses are actually gray. They are different not in color but in lip shape. The black rhino has a pointed upper lip, while its white relative has a squared lip. The difference in lip shape is related to the animals' diets. Black rhinos are browsers that get most of their sustenance from eating trees and bushes. They use their lips to pluck leaves and fruit from the branches. White rhinos graze on grasses, walking with their enormous heads and squared lips lowered to the ground.<br />
<br />
The black rhinoceros or hook-lipped rhinoceros is a species of rhinoceros, native to eastern and central Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. <br />
Black rhinos boast two horns, the foremost more prominent than the other. Rhino horns grow as much as three inches (eight centimeters) a year, and have been known to grow up to five feet (one and a half meters) long. Females use their horns to protect their young, while males use them to battle attackers.
    Lurching Rhino.jpg
  • A Hyena Approaches a pool of water looking for a drink
    Thirsty Hyena.jpg
  • This prairie dog was just trying to eat and this little bird just kept trying to take the food right out of the prairie dogs mouth.  It was really funny to watch and the prairie dog did not seem to care.
    gimme_my_carrot.jpg
  • I photographed these beautiful Flamingos at the Saint Louis, Missouri. Flamingos or flamingoes are a type of wading bird.
    pink_flamingo.jpg
  • The Blue Crane, also known as the Stanley Crane and the Paradise Crane, is the national bird of South Africa
    Stanley Crane.jpg
  • African lions live in a number of different habitats: grassy plains, open woodlands, semi-desert areas, even high mountains. They eat anything they can catch and kill, including antelope, zebra and buffalo
    Lioness Growl.jpg
  • Flamingo Flow.jpg
  • American White Pelican just relaxing and casually swimming across the pond.
    American White Pelican.jpg
  • No doubt about it - the flamingo is a curious-looking bird. Its body is extremely slender, its head small, its bill strangely curved and hooked. And then there's the matter of color - how many animals can you name that are HOT PINK?<br />
<br />
Flamingos are social birds. They live in large groups, sometimes up to tens of thousands of birds, an undulating ocean of pink. The sound of a large flamingo flock is also impressive (they're often mistaken for geese) and can be heard a great distance away. The birds are very vocal and use a wide variety of honks, alarm calls and other vocalizations.<br />
<br />
Flamingos in a colony feed together, breed together, and fly together. They eat by day, but when a feeding area no longer provides enough food for the flock, the birds move to another location at night.<br />
<br />
The birds are quite distinctive looking in flight. They stretch out their long necks and legs and spread their wings so the black undersides are visible. A flamingo's wingspan can range from three to five feet, depending on the size of the bird.
    Flamingo Speaks.jpg
  • A Pink Flaming Searches For Food In The Shadows
    Flamingo In The Shadows.jpg
  • The main population of California sea lions is found along the west coast in the Pacific Ocean. Harbor seals are commonly found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans. While both are marine mammals and powerful, graceful swimmers, sea lions and seals have distinct differences. Harbor seals and other ?true? seals do not have external ear flaps, while sea lions, along with fur seals and walruses, have visible, external ear flaps. Sea lions can rotate their hind flippers under their bodies, allowing them to walk easily on land. Seals do not have this ability and move about in an inchworm-like motion.
    harbor_loin.jpg
  • The donkey or ass, Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African wild ass, E. africanus. The donkey has been used as a working animal for at least 5000 years.
    Donkeyflected.jpg
  • The spotted hyena is a skillful hunter but also a scavenger. Truly an opportunistic feeder, it selects the easiest and most attractive food it may ignore fresh carrion and bones if there is, for example, an abundance of vulnerable wildebeest calves. It consumes animals of various types and sizes (including domestic stock and even other hyenas), carrion, bones, vegetable matter and other animals' droppings. The powerful jaws and digestive tract of the hyena allow it to process and obtain nutrients from skin and bones. The only parts of prey not fully digested are hair, horns and hooves; these are regurgitated in the form of pellets. As hyenas hunt mostly at night and devour all parts, little evidence remains of their actual meals. Although they eat a lot of dry bones, they need little water.
    Heyana With a Bone.jpg
  • Although phylogenetically close to felines and viverrids, hyenas are behaviourally and morphologically similar to canines in several aspects (see Convergent evolution); both hyenas and canines are non-arboreal, cursorial hunters that catch prey with their teeth rather than claws. Both eat food quickly and may store it. Hyenas feature prominently in the folklore and mythology of human cultures with which they are sympatric. Hyenas are mostly viewed with fear and contempt, as well as being associated with witchcraft, as their body parts are used as ingredients in traditional medicine. Among the beliefs held by some cultures, hyenas are thought to influence people's spirits, rob graves, and steal livestock and children.
    Hyena Profile.jpg
  • Lions mate several times in a year and females give birth to up to four or five cubs after a gestational period lasting nearly three and a half to four months. Cubs suckle from their mothers and other pride females up to six months and in case of males usually stay with the pride up to two years of age. Despite protection of the pride, up to 50% of lion cubs in the wild do not survive owing to starvation or occasional cannibalism by other lions. When nomadic male lions take over a pride from the resident males, after a bloody and often mortal battle, they kill their cubs. This serves not only to bring the lionesses in heat but also to ensure only their gene pool continues in the next generation.
    I Swear, Im Innocent.jpg
  • The Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a member of the ibis and spoonbill family (Threskiornithidae). Birds in this family are wading birds with long, downward-curved bills that they use to probe in mud or grass for invertebrates and other prey. Sacred Ibises are larger than Florida's native ibises. <br />
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They have very distinctive long, black feathers or plumes on their rumps. During the breeding season the feathers on the sides of their chests and on the outer wings (near the edge when folded) may have a yellowish (or reddish) tinge, and their lower legs may be tinged with reddish-copper; bare patches of scarlet-red skin may also be visible under their wings. The heads and necks of young Sacred Ibises are covered with black and white feathers, giving the head and neck a mottled appearance.<br />
<br />
Sacred Ibises look very similar to the native Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), a member of the stork family (Ciconiidae) that is federally listed as an endangered species.<br />
<br />
Sacred Ibises are native to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar; historically, they were also found in Egypt, where they are now extinct. These large birds are often depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs as the earthly representation of the god Thoth (also shown as an ibis-headed man) and were considered sacred?hence the common name. They are very similar in appearance and so closely related to the Black-headed Ibis (T. melanocephalus) in South Asia and the Australian White Ibis (T. molucca) that many scientists consider the three a "superspecies," and some believe they may actually all be the same species. In their native range, they inhabit coastal estuaries, lagoons, marshes, and other inland wetlands such as flooded agricultural fields and urban retention ponds.
    Sacred Ibis.jpg
  • The red panda, is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China and related to raccoons, skunks and weasels. It is the only extant species of the genus Ailurus and the family Ailuridae.<br />
<br />
The red panda is a cousin of the raccoon, while the more famous giant panda is more closely related to bears. These engaging animals make their home in mountain forests and bamboo thickets, where they live in small groups or alone. They are active mainly at night and spend their days sleeping in trees, out of the reach of most predators. Red pandas are primarily vegetarians, with bamboo shoots a favorite food, but they also eat small animals.<br />
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The number of wild red pandas is declining as their bamboo forests are cleared for human development.<br />
<br />
Did You Know That The extra "thumb" on a red panda's front paws is a modified wrist bone that allows the animal to easily grasp bamboo.
    Prowling Red Panda.jpg
  • Ostriches are the largest living birds. The boldly-colored males can grow up to 9 feet tall and weigh as much as 350 pounds. Females are smaller and are drab-colored to blend in with their surroundings.
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  • I photographed these beautiful Flamingos at the Saint Louis, Missouri. Flamingos or flamingoes are a type of wading bird.
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  • The nyala is a Southern African antelope. It is a spiral-horned dense-forest antelope that is uncomfortable in open spaces and is most often seen at water holes.
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  • Humboldt penguins share their name with the chilly Humboldt Current, which flows north from Antarctica along the Pacific Coast of South America, where the birds live. Both birds and current are named after the 18th-century explorer Alexander von Humboldt.
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  • No grabbing the bull by the horns today. This little guy has found his spot and is being lazy.
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  • Only real men can pull off pink!
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  • A Double-Crested Cormorant sits along the shore of a pond with a copper sheen.
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  • Lonely Lemur sitting and looking around hoping another animal will come along and play.
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  • Pachyderm making its way through the elephant area looking determined enough to remove anything that gets in its way.
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  • Although all penguin species are native to the Southern Hemisphere, they are not found only in cold climates, such as Antarctica. In fact, only a few species of penguin live so far south. Several species are found in the temperate zone, and one species, the Galápagos Penguin, lives near the equator.
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  • A flamingo splashes at his own reflection in the water
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  • Marabou Stork - Not exactly the supermodel of birds.
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  • Thought it was an interesting pose of the East African Crowned Crane, especially just popping out of the shadows like it was.
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