The Sacramento Zoo is a favorite of my Camera Totin’ Tuesday group. Why? It’s close and the animals are fun to photograph. We’ve been back often enough that we’re beginning to learn their names, learn their behaviors, and watch the babies grow.

Baby giraffe Rocket is almost as tall as his mom now. Too bad he won’t be staying at our zoo. Yes, we learn all about what’s happening! The little Red River Hogs are almost as big as their parents, but not any more cute. And, we’re getting a new tiger soon.

I say “we” because most of my group are members. As members, we get monthly newsletters and advanced notice of any special events. But, I also enjoy going to the zoo because it helps me perfect my photographic level. I’m doing much better with the F/4 300 mm lens now. It alone weighs 3 pounds! I carry it on a monopod. Sometimes I also take my Nikon D3100 with my 18 to 140 mm lens so I can get a better angle on the giraffes and flamingos. The F/4 is excellent at getting through the enclosures. Sometimes I have to stand way back!

Now that you understand more of why the zoo is featured so much in this blog, meet the animals!

I love the connection between the parrot and trainer.

My first shot of a wood duck.

Here’s another gliding through the water.

Dad is gathering nesting material.

Mom sits on the nest.

It’s not often that we can get a shot of the jaguars. This is the male–I was told!

Shh, don’t wake the sleeping lion.

This was the first time I saw the male snow leopard. He’s thinking someone looks delicious!

I’ve never seen an emu either.

Finally, one of the orangutans came out to play.

The zebra close up. With my lens there’s no other way. I did crop in post processing.

Here’s one of the red river hog babies.

I had to stand far away to get this flamingo.

Here’s little Rocket. Okay he’s not so little.

Here he is with his mom.