Chester zoo

Just a couple from my day at Chester zoo yesterday.

Red Panda - definitely the cutest thing I have seen for a long time


I have no idea what type of owls these are as we were busy taking photos and I didn't look at the info


Such a beautiful colour - the flamingoes were noisy as ever, but this one was sleeping


I wonder what was going through this chimps mind? Looking very thoughtful.


Mum and youngster


In the tropical house they had some magnificent birds - sadly no name I was too busy clicking...


Lai

Oh My Goodness Lai, your photo's are so professional, they really are stunning and not only are they stunning but they have feeling and depth to them. The Red Panda really gives you the feeling he is watcing you take the photo and there seems to be a closeness with the the Owls resting in the sun.The colour of the Flamingo is stunning but you can tell he is having a lovely sleep, you can almostfeel his head resting there. The older chimp seems quite dreamy/thoughtful as you say, it does make you wonder what he is thinking, its more than just a picture of a chimp sitting there, it's beautiful and mum and baby is just so loving, both of them have expressions of love and security and whatever the little bird is he is gorgeous, what a stunning colour and with the grass/leaf in his beak it's a wonderful capture, he looks as pleased as punch.

Think you can guess I love them

littlewid-x-

Beautiful photos Lai You've really caught some great expressions on the animals faces, and the colours are lovely. AS you say it would fscinating to know what's going through that Chimps mind
WS

Thanks Littlewid and WS - I tried to capture special moments rather than clicking madly which I often do. I guess in the zoo you have time to think and watch being on my own legs and all that.

I couldn't take photos of the cheetahs they made me want to cry, and likewise the lions .... small enclosures and nothing to do. Don't get me wrong, I know zoos have their place but somehow not for the big cats. They need so much space to roam and they just don't have it.

Lai Pai

Thats always the thing isn't it Lai, hard to see animals out of their own natural environment. I know Zoos like Chester are involved with breeding programmes and sometimes it is the only way some people will see some of these animals but there is nothing better than them being in their own rightful environment.

Do you have any more pics for us to see?

littlewid-x-

To be honest, I deleted a whole load of them as it was really a practice day I will have a look through and see if I have kept any I thought worthwhile.

Lai

Fingers crossed you kept a few more I was getting excited at seeing some more

littlewid-x-

Fabulous picture Lai The colours of those birds are so vibrant.

More please!

SM

Wonderful photos Lai. I know what you mean about the big cats in zoo's. The enclosure for the cheetah's at whipsnade is tiny as is the enclosure for the tigers. It really upsets me because they have so much land i'm sure they could enlarge them! The lions have a lovely large enclosure though

Thanks Doogs and Anne-Marie. My new lens is light and easy to use, just need to find some birds in flight! Not sure about the tips, each photographer has their own way and this man was into using either Program or Aperture. I am used to using Shutter speed or Aperture so had to change for the afternoon.

Overall the day was good as I must have picked up a few hints, and it was good to get out and practice.

I wonder why the big cat enclosures tend to be so small at all zoos? I've not been to Whipnade for years but good to know the lions have some good space there.

Lai

Doogs and at the end of the day it is down to personal preference.

Lai Pai