The baby giraffe had been put away for the winter and, in fact, the entire African Safari exhibit was off-limits, so we were limited to the indoor animals and some the more hearty outdoor fellows. The lions and tigers were out, though not being much for showmanship, it was hard to get a good look. We spent our time at the petting zoo and aquarium, which are always big hits... and of course the gift shop.
The Image
I like the double layers here with the groundhog in the foreground and Evan behind the glass. One completely oblivious of the other and the other watching with fascination. Opposites almost always make excellent photo subjects, no matter where the dichotemy comes from.
More Ramblings
I used to go to this same zoo when I was a child and, frankly, I didn't remember a thing about it. This particular zoo has been closed and reopened several times during and since my childood and most of my adult life has been spent just far enough away that I never bothered going. But eveything changes when you have a two year-old...
I never really liked zoos all that much when I was a kid... or maybe it was just after a certain age when I realized the inherent irony of gawking at an animal that would very likely much rather be somewhere else entirely. I guess I thought it was a bit cruel for a while there. Now it doesn't affect me so much. Maybe because I realize that their lives could certainly be worse. I have to admit, there is a unnatural element to the whole idea... but not necessarily cruel. Probably one of the downsides of watching so many children's movies with talking bears and tigers and whatnot...
