Ring Tailed Lemur

Ok, I have to tell a story here about this guy, and I have to be honest with you guys, Yes, I had to go back a second time (well, it didn't cost me anything!) to see if I could get a better look at these guys. I got several shots of these lemurs and this one has a story behind it, that I have to share. I walked around the whole zoo this day, actually twice (and it's a huge place!) and came upon the Ring-tailed lemurs. First trip I couldn't see much, just alot of trees, and no lemurs, well, maybe a small glimpse up in the trees. Maybe frightened by the little kids that came running through! So I passed them up and about an hour or so later, on my way out, I turned around and went back and did another walk through. It was late in the afternoon and most everyone was leaving, so the crowd was gone. I came upon the Ring-tailed lemurs exhibit again and there they were......In plain view! I walked very slow up as close as I could to the fence, I didn't want to spook them in anyway. They sat and played and this one watched me for the longest time and it's like they knew who I was and what I'm all about. Okay, call me crazy, but this is my story, ok? Anyway, afew minutes later two of them kind of walked away and headed back up into the tree, but this little guy stayed behind....he's the one that was watching me. I didn't have a clue how to call a lemur, or what to say, or even if he'd understand me, so I just started talking in a low, soft voice and then there it was. He was making little sounds, very low, almost like a kitten. Every time he did this, I would say something back and it's almost as if he understood me.. And yes, I have to admit that I turned around every few seconds to see if anyone was coming up behind me to tell me I was crazy! This was one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had with any type of animal, even though a fence stood between us. I almost cried as I walked away because I feel like I could've stayed there forever with this little guy and I wondered so much what it would be like to hold the little guy. But then I remembered, these are not pets and they are wild animals, and that is where they belong......Out in the Wild, not in a zoo, not in a cage or in someone's backyard.

Clouded Leopard

Well you'll see afew shots of this guy. An awesome Clouded Leopard! I love these animals and watched this one for close to an hour while I was there. There are trees all around the exhibit here and the viewing area consist of a two-way glass about 8 x 6ft, so that gives these guys plenty of privacy. No watching the kids gawking at them and snapping pictures. I do want to add that I use a Olympus digital camera, and never, ever use my flash around these animals. The pictures still turn out really good and the animal goes undisturbed!

Tiger In A Tub

Got some decent shots of the two bengal tigers, well, considering the distance there was between me and them. Here the white tiger lounges in a tub. It was 90 degrees that day and very humid and sticky conditions....even for a tiger!

Dwarf Caiman

Marine Toad

Red Knee Tarantula

Ok, I promised one of my friend's that I would post some more pictures of some "creepy, crawlie" things, so here you go! To start off we have the famous Red Knee Tarantula!
Once commonly known in the pet trade, this species is now protected by CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species).

Blanchard's Milksnake

Rock Rattlesnake