Zoo Life and Thoughts on Animal Preservation

Since 2009, I have been fortunate enough to make it to quite a few of our great Zoos, both in Ohio and neighboring states–Indiana and Pennsylvania. Without zoos and wildlife preserves, several species would be extinct this very day. But thanks to institutions like these, we are lucky enough to save quite a few species throughout the world and educate the public the importance of these species of the natural habitats from which they came from originally. I feel confident enough to say we should not imprison animals for any reason unless absolutely neccessary. I do think Zoological Institutions that are helping several threatened species out there and educating the public of their tremendous importance to our planet is a good thing at the same time. These institutions can only help preseve what we have left of so many endangered species such as the Giant Panda and Snow Leopard just to name a few.

There is so much we still can learn from these creatures and for future generations to gain respect and appreciate them while they are still roaming this planet. So with the help of Zoos, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Preserves, we are able to experience this for the time being up close and personal. At the same time, excellent people and organizations are helping educate the public on our immense diversity of species through stellar film series such as the Planet Earth, Life, and Wild China series alone. These along with the endless related sites on the web such as ARKive are helping educate future generations to come and the importance of what each particular species holds on this planet.

I believe in protecting and preserving all natural habitats and to capture the species on film in their native habitat is probably one of the best solutions to educate the children of tomorrow. So here are some glimpses of some the beautiful creatures that are current residents of these great institutions in Ohio and neighboring states. All photos were taken at the National Aviary in Pittsburg, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Pittsburg, and Indianapolis Zoos, as well as few Ohio Nature Preserves and Parks from the Summer 2009 to Fall of 2011. Click on the links below to see more from each series and Enjoy!

aves II

mammalia II 

reptilia II

ocean life II 

insecta II

Have a Stellar Holiday!

This time lapse was taken of the Guernsey County Court House last year 

in Cambridge, Ohio.

wonderland of lights IV

This is the fourth installment of some luminary displays taken during the 2011 holiday season. These photos where taken at the Christmas Ranch, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Cambridge Christmas Light Show and a few other places within Ohio. This is a shared tradition started by my wife many years ago that accents the spirit of the season and always leaves us in search of new displays to explore every year. Stay warm and enjoy!

wonderland of lights IV

Shorelines II

This is the second installment of the Shorelines series. These photos were taken along the Northwest coast of Florida at Carabelle and Pensacola Beaches at sunrise and sunset. Here is a glimpse of some of those lush shorelines during our South Coast trip my wife and I took last year around this season.

Shorelines II series

Balluminaria at Eden Park

Every year in November, Balluminaria is held at Eden Park in Cincinnatti, Ohio. Several Ohio Ballooners fire-up their stellar thermal airships to illuminate Eden Park Pond and thousands of spectators for one awesome evening. Here is a glimpse of some those moments from November 2010. 

Balluminaria series

Balluminaria 2012 info

accents of autumn III

Almost long forgotten and buried deep amongst the previous botanical harmonies archives, I managed to dig up these lost moments amongst the decaying and colorful trees in late 2010. Here are some glimpses of that charming Fall season at Chadwick Arboretum, Franklin Park Conservatory, Glen Rest Cemetary, Inniswood Gardens, Krohn Conservatory, and Rocky River Gorge Metropark. Enjoy the wonders and warmth of the Fall Season.

accents of autumn III

Forgotten Wonders Beneath the Trees . autumnal series II

This is the fifth installment of this five part series that I captured between early—mid October of 2011. Although this is a spectacular season to get out and find fascinating and colorful fungi, it is also the season that I started to notice the diversity of species decline and finding them only gets tougher as leaf litter builds up as winter approaches. This series was taken at Audubon Wetland Preserve, Cedar Falls, Crall Woods, John Bryan State Park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, Oak Openings Preserve, Wilmot Nature Center and Glen Rest Cemetery.

I would like especially thank to Walt Sturgeon for his expertise in helping me with my misidentifications on the series throughout the year. Not only is Walt a walking encyclopedia of mycological knowledge for over 35 years, but his has been a prolific fungi photographer and author of several fungi publications throughout the years. Some of his work can be found at Mushroom Observer and MyCoPortal in addition to the OMS website.

This is the closing series for 2011, but an ongoing personal journey for myself as a nature photographer and fungiphile. Several installments are planned for next year with much emphasis on species I have found in West Virginia this past year in addition to some Ohio delights. Until next spring, enjoy Ohio’s forgotten wonders beneath the trees!

autumnal series II