I took my grandson to Zoo Miami to checkout all the different wildlife and just spend an afternoon together.  This trip was a great opportunity to stroll the park and shoot images.  To my surprise the animals were relatively close and some actually appeared to enjoy posing.  I had a lot of fun as a Dromedary Camel walked up within about twenty five feet and almost seemingly begged me to shoot it's picture.  My thoughts immediately went to "What Day Is It... It's Hump Day!!!"  I thought it was hilarious how it would look straight into the camera and then give me a proud profile. 

The camel wasn't my only subject for the day.  As I walked down the path I started getting this creepy feeling of being watched.  As I looked around I spotted this Lowland Gorilla "eye-balling" me as it sat very proud and definitely in-charge.  The eye's of the animal were saying "I am here, you are there, don't mess with me."  I was as fascinated with this animal as I believe it was with me.  I wish I had more time to watch. 

I don't know why as I walked, all the animals just seemed to be looking at me.  Some with a serious expressions, others having a sense of confusion.     The more I walked, the more I began to realize that the animals were not on exhibit for me to see, but rather I was on exhibit for their benefit. 

Now there were other animals that appeared to care less about anything.  The Cuban Crocodile just wanted to sleep and the Malayan Water Monitor wanted to sun itself on the rocks.

What a great day.  I highly recommend if you get the chance to visit a zoo, take your time and study the wildlife around you.  Visualize the animals perspective so that when you leave and view your pictures you have a story to tell.  Because you never know what stories are being told about you when gates close. 

Click here to see my full Wildlife Gallery.

Have you had a similar experience, I'd like to hear about it.

Enjoy and remember,

"Moments in time are lived once. Images of those moments live forever."

Ed H.