Back to the Big Cats

Ever since I was a kid I have loved visiting the Zoo, and in particular Chester Zoo. Zoos as a whole have really improved over the years from enclosures that were predominantly caged enclosures, to the stage we are at today were the animals are kept in enclosures that better reflect their natural environment and live a better life in captivity as a result. This is certainly the case at Chester, and earlier in the year Sharon and I became members which gives us unlimited entry, and living so close to the zoo means I can nip down when I have a few hours to spare and concentrate on photographing individual species. Last week I concentrated on one of my favourite big cats.... Tigers... and it was great to see Kirana and her two cubs. Below are some of the shots from the morning. I also got some great Cheetah shots that I will post soon.

Chester Zoo ..... Tiger

We had a wonderful day at Chester Zoo, the early morning showers soon cleared to a beautifully sunny afternoon. My objective today was focussed on the big cats, and I achieved some decent shots of 2 of the 4 species I targeted, the first post is of my favourite ... Tigers. 
The cubs that were born in October are now 8 months old, and quite grown up, but still have that real cute factor!! Hope you like the photos.... my next post will be the Asiatic Lions.

Chester Zoo ......

Fingers crossed we are off to Chester Zoo in the morning..... hopefully the weather will be kind and the camera finger will get lots of exercise!! I just love going to the Zoo, everyone has different opinions on keeping animals in captivity, personally so long as they are kept in excellent conditions as they are at Chester, I'm 100% all for it and the huge efforts they make in the conservation of the many animals they have. In an ideal world as a Wildlife Photographer I would love to be shooting these animals in their natural habitat, but this comes a close second.
That last time I went was late last year and was really pleased to get some great Tiger shots, that can be seen HERE .
Looking forward to a great day....... photos to follow

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

I have some what neglected my bloG lately, as I seem to have got bogged down on Facebook, where I have created a page for my Wildlife Photos, take a look at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gary-Jones-Wildlife-Photography/321879187852556#!/pages/Gary-Jones-Wildlife-Photography/321879187852556?sk=wall or if the link doesnt work, on facebook search for Gary Jones Wildlife Photography.

Anyway back to the blog, another visit to South Lakes Wild Animal Park, we absolutely love it here and it gives you the opportunity to get right close to many animals, especially the Big Cats. I had hoped on this visit to get some nice Jaguar and Tiger shots, see what you think!!

JAGUAR

















SUMATRAN TIGER

















LION













MONKEY MAGIC



PENGUIN CLOSE UP





GIBBON







BLACK SWAN