Calgary Zoo Shots

Here are some shots from the Calgary Zoo today.

Excellent pics!! The gorilla is awesome

Thanks, Capt. Shutter. I'm pretty pleased with the way most of the photos turned out. I was using my 70-300 (non-L), as I felt my 70-200 was too heavy to drag around the zoo all day.

This wasn't smart, as I was most interested in getting some nice shots of the Rockhopper penguins yesterday. I didn't realize how dark the penguin enclosure is: until I was trying to take photos. The Rockhoppers weren't cooperative, either. Only one of them was out, and he chose to present me with his back for most of the time I was in there. He wouldn't display his crests for me, either. Next time I'll try my 70-200, and maybe the Rockhoppers will cooperate. They're usually quite cheeky and funny to watch.

The gorilla photo is of Kakinga, the leader of our troop of western lowland gorillas. I have some nice shots that show off his beautiful silver back, but I liked this one the best as he's making eye contact. I should maybe try to lighten the shadows on his face a little bit.

He's a very valuable member of the "Gorilla Species Survival Program," not only for his genetic contribution but for his temperament as well. Kakinga is a son of Jambo (https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=W-CMxMv34_A), and he shares his father's gentle and protective temperament. He's also one of the subjects of study in the "Great Ape Heart Project." I was surprised to learn that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of great apes.

Kakinga is getting up there in age. I believe he's 38-years-old, and their life expectancy in zoos is 35-45 years (though at least one live to 54). In the wild their life expectancy is 30-40 years. Kakinga's father lived to 31. I'm hoping to document him a bit more, while he is still with us. He really is stunning.

great set #1 is my fav