WOW!!!

You've just made me decide to go to the zoo tomorow. Ethical or otherwise, these portraits are truly exceptional.

It would perhaps be preferable if we lived in a world where zoos didn't exist, but as Jim pointed out they provide a much needed service to threatened and endangered species.

Photographs like these can never hurt, particularly if viewed...

Thanks Will, appreciate those comments Share some photos if you ended up going

Nat

Did anyone look at this extraordinary zoo shot?
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=32294 -

Quite amazing, in many ways.
Wonder if other zoos, through international links, have any input to these situations, ever or never. Just wondered Nat if through FotZ you could bring to attention: I'm not over-reacting, but would be iteresting to know of other Zoo reactions/attitudes: hopefully there would be concern.

Nat, these are beautiful. The lion and the Gorilla are just wonderful. I am not usually a fan of zoo shots, as they mostly look like snapshots. These are truly nice

I can't imagine any zoo here doing anything as stupid as that.

Both the zoos are very "hands off" in their keeper approach. None of the big cats are approachable and would have eaten that guy alive.

I think Werribee Zoo especially should get points for putting a HUGE emphasis on education.

I haven't yet submitted anything to FotZ...I'm still trying to work out a few things with the Zoo and their stance on me using the photos regularly for conservation projects.

Nat

Rest assured, someday that man will be eaten. He is definitely a darwin award candidate

Very interesting.....very reminicent of Jill Greenberg's work.

http://www.manipulator.com/

Rather like the effect you have created...more like portrait work than animal photography in the more classic sense.

Good stuff!!!

Roman

Interesting link, I love some of her shots and had never seen them before.

As Julie said, part of the challenge is getting zoo shots to not look snapshotish, and boring, in between all the glass, fences, children and distractions!

Nat

Wow, Roman. Thanks for the link. Her work is magnificent. I love her rich, vivid colors.

James