These are from my archives, last published on my old blog in June 2009 (no longer open). I am slowly transferring all those posts to this one. My photos were taken with film, several years before digital cameras.
One of the first places we visited at the zoo was the Lowland Gorillas enclosure. I still remember the wonder of being able to see these beautiful animals, and yet being quite sad that they weren't in their own natural habitat. I had always hoped when I was young, that I would see them in Africa one day. I doubt that will happen now. (Added note at 9.10 p.m. on 10-9-24: My dear other half would say 'never say never', but I am being realistic. If I couldn't make it down steep steps in the pasty shop last week, I doubt I am going to be able to tramp through a jungle, and I say that with a chuckle at the thought.) So, when I saw them at the zoo it was an amazing feeling, and another good memory that I think of as I look at these photos.
At the time there was a new baby seen with its mother, another thrill as it was such a darling little baby. The interaction between mother and child was so human-like. I have said it many times, we are very much connected, all across the species.
At their enclosure we met a very nice couple who had traveled all the way from Saint Louis especially to see them, and to attend a related zoo function. They were there for a few days and were very much involved in this gorilla family, having had a long relationship with them. They knew all their individual names and their history.
It was very interesting listening to them, and we were able to connect even further with our lowland gorilla family. This couple had contributed to the family's care for several years.
That's all on this lovely family. Thank you for looking and as always, I hope your day is a great one.
Though they are old, you got wonderful photos! They look like modern digital photos. What an exciting adventure!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny, I was very happy to get them. It was very exciting to see them, I agree :)
DeleteSuch beautiful animals. Thank you for sharing these precious memories and photos.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Sue, and thank you :)
DeleteWhat lovely photographs. We share so much of our DNA with these wonderful animals.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice, we certainly do :)
DeleteWhat a thrill to see them. I haven't been to a zoo in years.
ReplyDeleteIt was, I remember it so vividly. It's been years since the last time I went to the zoo also :) Thanks Ann!
DeleteLovely gorilla and her darling little baby....
ReplyDeleteThe photos describe about love and family. Hope that baby gorilla will grow well..greetings
Thank you Mbul Kecil :) I am happy you enjoyed them. The baby gorilla is fully grown now. Hard to believe! My photos were taken years ago, pre 2009 :)
DeleteGreat post on the Gorilla! Take care, have a great day and happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, I appreciate that :) I wish you the same!
DeleteIt is a sad reflection on us that so many animals have their last chance in zoos and other facilities. The human population now exceeds eight billion and is increasing arithmetically and we continue to take more land and resources. Recent events in Florida are a clear indication of the changes we have made to the climate, yet still we press on with our wasteful and destructive ways. Even in their natural habitat, gorillas have effectively been turned into zoo animals, for the enjoyment of wealthy tourists who can pay huge sums to see them. They are not free, wild animals any more. Whether they live or die, even how and where they live or die, is at the whim of humans, and that has never turned out well for other animals.
ReplyDeleteHello David, more food for thought in your comment. I dearly hope we can do better. The whole world seems to becoming a zoo :(
DeleteExtra ordinary photos and they gorillas look quite at home. Nearby we have rescued gorillas here in France that live on an island, they also seem very happy and are breeding well. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane :) How wonderful about the gorilla rescues. Cheers!
DeleteI remember the movie "Gorillas in the Mist" made many years ago with Sigourney Weaver as the naturalist Dian Fossey. It was interesting to see the gorillas who lived in the wild at that time. We watch a lot of television wildlife programmes. The photographers use long lens cameras so don't have to get too close and the natural world documentaries are excellent. Zoos have invaluable breeding programmes these days where animals are looked after in huge enclosures according to their natural habitat. I wish you a good week Denise.
ReplyDeleteThat's a movie I remember :) I recently read her biography. I knew some of it but it was an interesting story but a sad ending. The nature programs are wonderful. It takes such dedication to put one together. I agree about the zoos, they do us a valuable service in keeping animals from going extinct. I wish you the same good week Linda and thank you!
DeleteThose photos are great...the first picture...he did look quite sad to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie, he did look rather pensive didn't he? :)
Deletethey are beautiful, loving...self sufficient animals. it is nice you were able to get these wonderful close-ups!! it is always best to have them living in the wild, but i do believe that zoos do a lot of research setting up their living area and they take good care of them!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, we have a good zoom lens so were not that close really. I agree about the zoos.
DeleteDenise today's photo challenge for poetry is about Primates.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are having trouble with your legs. I sure do hope it eases up soon so that you can take walk about taking photos.
Hugs cecilia
Thank you Cecilia :) I appreciate you saying so very much. I certainly do miss my walks! I will pop over to see the primate poetry photo challenge. What an interesting coincidence :) Sending hugs!
DeleteLovely photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteBeautiful photos of the gorilla family. And they are nice memories for you too. I haven't been to a zoo in a while.
ReplyDeleteA very warm greeting comes to you from Viola
Greetings Viola :) and thank you :) so nice to see you :)
DeleteLindos animales deberían ser protegidos y no maltratados. Bellas fotos. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteEstoy de acuerdo, gracias y te mando un beso :)
DeleteMy daughter saw them in Africa. They are endangered there, but there are Rangers who are dedicated to protecting them.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Linda! :) Your daughter must have had the most amazing stories. I have always loved watching the nature shows about them. It is good to know that there are those who are protecting them for future generations to see.
DeleteLovely photos and such beautiful creatures and oh those days of film!
ReplyDeleteIt is somewhat disheartening when we can't walk like we used to, Denise.
Take care.
Thank you Margaret, and isn’t that the truth :) You take care also my friend.
DeleteSuch a sweet baby! I would have loved to go to Africa, too...but like you I know it will never happen now.
ReplyDeleteThere comes a time when we know :) Thank you Rose.
DeleteWonderful photos of some highly intelligent and beautiful creatures. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are, I totally agree. You are very welcome Beverley and thank you :)
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