Zoo Story

I visited the Bronx Zoo for the first time today with a friend of mine. I haven’t been to a zoo in a very long time, because they remind me what poor custodians of the planet we humans have been. Just yesterday I read this article online about the Western Black Rhino of Africa, which has been declared officially extinct. There are so many species on the endangered list it breaks my heart. So today, when I visited the zoo, I became a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Here’s hoping my paltry contribution helps in some small way.

I wasn’t sure what to expect of the zoo, but I’d seen David Attenborough filming gorillas here, so I figured if it’s ok by Sir David, it’s ok by me. It is quite an impressive set up, with heaps of space for both people and animals. I didn’t get to see half of it; a return visit is guaranteed, but I did see some wonderful creatures, and when I visited the gorillas, a female gorilla came up to where I was standing, made eye contact and then drummed out a beat on the glass, watching me with her big, soft eyes the whole time. Very moving, and definitely the highlight of the day.

I could spend days and weeks watching and photographing these incredible animals, and I probably will. I did a leisurely walkthrough today and got a few photos. My friend was terribly indulgent of my tendency to get completely absorbed in the animals and forget there’s anyone else there.

The guy on the right won. Just look at those battle scars.

I love the water flying off his head - he'd just broken the surface with tremendous velocity on his way to a jump.

Posing in front of the bright autumn foliage

Adorable. Why do they remind me of the judges on the Muppet Show?

You can't get much redder than this.

Magnificent.

I could get lost in those eyes.

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