What's New at the Zoo?

A few days ago we took a little day trip to Moncton and visited the zoo at Magnetic Hill. We hadn't been there in years, so it was time.  They acquired a new pair of Amur tigers earlier this year and I was anxious to see them. It was the perfect day for a visit- not too hot, just pleasant temps for strolling around and we saw all the animals except the lions who apparently are either shy or were sleeping in. (Well, truth be told, I guess I didn't see ALL the animals, as I did not enter the reptile exhibit. Nope, not going to look at snakes if I have a choice...)
Many of my photos, of course, were taken through wire fencing. I would have liked a longer lens, and no fencing in my way, but then again, I do understand the whole safety issue. I wasn't about to risk becoming someone's meal for the sake of a better photo! lol  So I apologize for the light streaks across some of the photos (out of focus fencing.) Without further commentary, here are some of my favourites.

There were lots of birds. Clockwise from top left:
Black Swan, Marabou Stork, a female Mallard duck, and an East African Crowned Crane.

Of course, we enjoyed the primates too. They are always entertaining...... Clockwise from top left: Colobus monkey, Gibbon, Ring Tailed Lemur, Mandrill

If you have some patience and a little luck, you can sometimes catch interesting expressions or poses... here are a few....

A Ring Tailed Lemur yawwwnnnnnn

"Now what was I going to say.......?"

And a few more animals...  Clockwise from top left: Duck, Irresistably cute baby goat, Otter getting ready for a slide into the pool, and Sulcata tortoise or African spurred tortoise.

At the end of our "tour" we finally found the Amur tigers. A new tiger enclosure is under construction, so they are in a temporary space nearby. They both appeared  bored with the whole thing and were napping; no amount of pleading, whistling or other sounds would even get them to open their eyes let alone raise their big beautiful heads.... so this is the best shot I could get. Guess I'll just have to make another visit someday...

The Amur tiger is an endangered species, native to far eastern Russia. It is the largest of the cat family. These cats are solitary animals and are only found together during mating season or as young cubs with their mothers. They remain close to water sources and are adept swimmers. Their striped coats provide excellent camouflage in tall grasses.

All in all it was a good day at the zoo. I am linking to Mosaic Monday, now hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage. Be sure to pop by and see what others have done for this weekly mosaic meme.

Peace,
Linda

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France