Zoo versus sanctuary versus nature center versus the outdoors. I enjoy observing and photographing animals. I most likely will not see exotic animals in the wild. So watching these animals that were born in the zoo is my next best thing.
Here in Sacramento there are different places to observe wild animals. As a member of the Sacramento Zoo I frequently photograph the over 500 animals. In the almost 40 years I have been here this zoo has continued to change and improve the habitats of its animals. Being an AZA accredited zoo means 21st century guidelines need to be met. Efforts are now being made to move to a new location to allow this continued growth and expansion. In May a proposal is being submitted. Shall the Sacramento Zoo remain where it is and update and stay small or move to a location allowing it to grow? I am proud of this zoo and will support either option.
The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary receives animals that can not be released back into the wild. It is a safe place for wild animals. I have visited here a couple of times, and while it doesn’t have the variety of animals it does have its own charm. Animals are given names. In its early history a bear named Smokey caused a bit of a commotion as I found out by reading the following from their website.
Smokey became famous when the U.S. government contended only the “Smokey” known for forest fire prevention could use that name. The community rallied behind the Folsom Smokey and worldwide publicity brought even more support. Eventually the government relented and Smokey retained his name. Smokey passed away in 1984.
Photographers are challenged to capture enclosure-free looking images here. Even using a wide open aperture it is hard to get past the cage bars.
The Sacramento Zoo enclosures can be masked by camera settings most of the time. Though I hear there are plans to change out the enclosures to glass. Wonder why since there is the talk of moving the zoo?
Many times a staff member will accommodate photographers and bring a bird out for show.
Roaming the nature trails I can see deer, wild turkeys, hares, and sometime coyotes.
Plenty of birds to be heard and sometimes seen. Woodpeckers, turkey vultures, and some unknown to me birds.
Often I will meet up with a group of bird watchers. Butterflies, and caterpillars can be found. Walk down to the American River and you can spot ducks, egrets and an occasional turkey vulture enjoying a feast.
I am glad that there is a variety of ways to enjoy nature, and view animals here in Sacramento. I know that a wild life safari to Africa is not in my future. Besides, I could not even hold up the size lens I would need to capture great images. So I am content to visit these different settings for my nature fix! What is your feeling about where you seek out animals.
I had hopes of going to the Sacramento Zoo last week with my photo friends. But now I am the full time care person for my dog Libby. I believe that the tumor on her spine is pressing against a nerve and probably making her foot tingle. Unfortunately she can’t talk. Her rear right back paw is not heeling after the toe amputation, and every day is more alarming than the previous day.
I am now changing her bandage using a wet-to-dry method. This is a many step procedure. She is such a good patient. Someone has to watch her 24/7. She has a way of pulling off the bandage, and trying to tend to the wound herself even with an extra large cone. The other day I woke up to bloody paw prints throughout my house.
Almost looked like a crime scene. Got out my Simple Solution pet stain remover. This stuff works great! Now Libby and I are sleeping in our “Rest Haven” with a cone on and a leash attached to my wrist. Heeling her foot is the only way to keep her alive. And I hope that when her foot heels she does not go after it again!
