Didn’t really look like a zoo kinda day. One of those wet, foggy Edinburgh days. But we settled on the zoo for a wander. I’m glad we did. I said in my post about shooting in the zoo that bright days weren’t always the best. This was the ultimate test of that. Light as dull and flat as it comes. But got some ok shots with the cooperation of the animals and the low-light capabilities of the 5D. Anyway, here’s a selection.
Darwin’s Rhea Running
As we were leaving one of the Darwin’s Rhea ( presumably the male ) went a bit nuts and started sprinting round it’s enclosure at some pace. I followed it in burst mode and got about 5 shots in focus and lots less so. It was very entertaining.
Cassowary says no
The Cassowary were prowling very near the fence. They look very prehistoric. You can imagine bits of them not looking out of place on a dinosaur. And I wouldn’t like to mess with one.
Saki Monkey
First time I’ve ever got this close to the Saki Monkey in the primate walkthrough. He didn’t hang about for long.
Chevrotain
The Chevrotain ( or mouse deer ) is the smallest hoofed animal and, bizarrely, has fangs. Go figure. A debut on this blog for these little guys.
Southern Pudu
Another debutant. The Southern Pudu. Was kind enough to stand about long enough for me to negotiate the holes in the fence for a clearer shot.
Amur Leopard
The leopards were in good form. Hanging about for ages in clear view.
Amur Leopard Eating
The business end of the other Amur Leopard.
Rockhopper Penguin
The new penguin enclosure lets you get shots that weren’t really possible before. Imagine my surprise when zoomed in on this fella he barked right down my lens. My squeal amused some Japanese tourists.
Headless Nick
It is amazing how some penguins survive with no head. Probably fed with a pipette like Mike the Chicken.
Underwater Penguin
The glass in the new enclosure is a lot cleaner too.
Porpoising Penguin
Not a great shot, one that more light would have helped with. Will try this one again.
Meerkat Looking
It is almost impossible not to get at least one decent photo of the meerkats.
Asiatic Otter
And if the otters are out at the same time, it’s a great wee corner of the zoo.
Golden Headed Lion Tamarin
Since these little guys moved in with the parrots they’re a lot easier to photograph.
Top of the list for getting a shot remain the Clouded Leopard as the Asiatic Golden Cat ( brief appearance in the bushes ).
