One fine day

Columbus, Ohio, 2007.

Scenes from one crazy hot summer day at the Columbus Zoo.

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The Aldabra Giant Tortoises are two of the largest creatures of their kind in the world. They hail from a remote island in the Seychelles, can grow to about 500 pounds and can live way longer than any of us (the longest-living tortoise is believed to have been 255 years old at his death!). I love visiting these two at our zoo. There’s something strangely human-like about their faces—like wise little elders. Imagine if they could talk…
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I asked the boy’s mom permission to take his photo. These two had a real connection and I wondered if each was wondering who was on the inside. The chimp is one of the Columbus Zoo’s famous bonobos. Some have been taught to communicate through typed symbols and can respond to words. You can see the intelligence in those eyes.
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Like sunbathers lounging on a beach, this “mob” of kangaroos was taking a  break during this extremely hot summer day—likely very similar to their home climate (if I remember correctly, it was pushing 90). I thought their relaxed poses were pretty funny.
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This photo makes me feel torn: the beautiful African leopard behind the chain-link fence.
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A rare view of one of our koalas awake—these little guys sleep up to 18 hours a day.
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Big kitty! The Columbus Zoo tigers recently became parents. I was lucky to capture this view when she walked right up to the viewing window.
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Our zoo’s polar bear exhibit is my favorite place to stop. This was taken from the underground viewing area that allows you to see what great swimmers they are.
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I saved the craziest/best for last. This is a Malaysian Flying Fox and it is quite a creature to behold. They have the cutest little fox face, but the rest of them—yeesh. Their leathery bat-like wings can reach a span of six feet! They hang upside down and climb around using their hook-like “hands” and “feet” and wrap themselves up tightly in with their wings as they hang upside down to sleep. And while they look like they’d latch onto your neck and suck every last drop of blood out of you, they’re actually partial to fruit. And thank god! This is a C-bus Zoo must-see—these things are mesmerizing.

 

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  1. Pingback: Another walk on the wild side – C-bus Rock City

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