Getting to grips with RAW, LR and CS

I have been shooting in RAW for a few weeks and just getting through a steep learning curve in LR and CS2.

The images below are taken in Disney World's Animal Kingdom, inside, no flash, monopod on a Canon 30D with EF 28-135mm USM but I had forgotten to put the IS on

I am looking for feedback to my approach. The sequence of adjustments and any alternative views on how to tackle the problems with the original image.

The image is beyond real repair with my current knowledge and skills. Speaking of which I cleared the adjustment history so can't give the exact figures, but the adjustments would have been...

Cropped
White balance = Auto
Exposure increased
Fill light increased
Clarity increased
Saturation increased
Blacks increased
Noise reduction, Luminance set to 22

Then into CS2

Image, Mode set to Lab Color
Then on the Channels tab select only the Lightness channel
Filter, Sharpen, Unsharp Mask

Amount 65%
Radius 3
Threshold 2

Then apply it again with the same settings, CMD F on Mac, Filter, Unsharp Mask on menu

Then Edit, Fade Unsharp Mask and set the Opacity to 50%

Close and save so it goes back to LR.

Before

I didn't put this in C&C as I feel my preparation and execution didn't warrant that section. I see this more like what good RAW processing can bring to a bad pic.

But please be candid with your feedback.

You know frankly I think you did a pretty good job. Keep learning and trying new things and different ways of doing the things you know. The more you mess with it, you will know the tools you don't have to learn so much about and those you need to know everything about.

Oh, you can put anything in C&C. IMO I have seen some pics in there that need more help, putting it mildly.

CP