Meercats

[blacknstormy]

[img]http://www.fototime.com/A66396C25BFB9C9/standard.jpg[img]

[img]http://www.fototime.com/AF8E6A893DE2B5D/standard.jpg[img]

These are 2 shots of some meercats - also at Melbourne Zoo. Same deal as the lizards - the shots were taken through glass enclosures, so not perfect (bit of a haze on the right side of the first shot), but I was pleased none the less.

I was actually laying on the ground next to the enclosure for the first shot, and the meercat came right up on the other side, under the log and just looked at me. Could have stayed all day!!!

Rel

[eland]

Rel
I've seen them in the wild in Africa, but never as close
as your top image. Wow.

The bottom one is a typical Meerkat pose.
In the wild you'll find them sitting like that on high rocks.
They are always on the watch for predators.

It's good that you had backlighting for this shot.
It separates the animals from the dark rocks behind.

Through the glass has softened your pic a little as you know.
Have you tried sharpening it a little ? It'll help.

Kindest regards
eland

[Leighow]

Well I like the second shot. These guys may be looking back at you too Rel. Beautiful animals. Very nice shot.

[blacknstormy]

Thanks Leighow & Eland. Leighow - in the second shot, they actually were looking back at me.

Most visitors to each exhibit stay a certain time - and then walk on to the next exhibit. The animals get used to this transient view outside their window (so to speak) and generally ignore us. But if you stay a bit longer, they get a bit more inquisitive as to who is "outside", and come and have a look at you too !! Was a fantastic experience. (hence the first shot too)

Eland - I am so jealous!! You are so lucky to have seen these guys in the wild. I was just incredibly chuffed to have seen them in a zoo! I did get a shot of the sentry meercat, off in the back of the enclosure, but fell in love with these two shots because they all became such characters to me!!

Thanks for your comments :)
Rel

[ajax]

Great meercat shots; I particularly like the second one...but...I'm easy to please when it comes to those scamps of the animal world. Something about them makes me laugh.

There's a Living Desert Museum in Palm Springs, CA that has [had?] a great meercat display....my friends had a hard time pulling me away...I was totally charmed by their antics. I would love to see them in the wild.