Alligator Snapping Turtle

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

Shedd Aquarium

The alligator snapping turtle waits underwater looking like anything but a real animal. It's mouth is wide open, and its specialized tongue tries to make an unwary fish think there is something good to eat inside the jaws. I don't think so! But apparently the trick works. These turtles have been around for a very long time (about 40 million years). This is a small one. They get quite large.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Hello, Whale!

Monterey, California ~ June 26, 2005

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Another Kind of Rose Garden

Tacoma, Washington ~ August 27, 2006

Sea Anemones

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Megatooth

Megalodon or Megatooth (Cacharodon megalodon)

Newport, Oregon ~ March 11, 2006

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Megalodon lived from about 23 million to 4 million years ago, and reached a length of over 50 feet. Its remains have been found on six continents, and its closest living relative is the fearsome great white shark. The brave man in photo #1 doesn't look too worried.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of shark toys and replicas

Reflections on an Orca

Orca or Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

Miami Seaquarium

Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008

We want to think they will "behave" and be our friends, but wild animals are wild animals, and we need to remember that. Recent tragedy reminds us. But how beautiful they are, how big, how powerful. How much to be appreciated and respected.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of orca toys and replicas

Looks Like a Dinosaur?

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Miami Seaquarium

Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008

This is one of my favorites among the animal photos I've taken. It is so in focus and in your face, plus the iguana's tongue is visible, and I can just feel it about to take another bite of the leaf!
It looks for all the world the way I imagine a dinosaur, although we now know that dinosaurs are related to modern-day birds.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of iguana toys and replicas

Playful

California Sea Lion
Miami Seaquarium
Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of sea lion toys and replicas

A Visitor at the Dolphin Show

Seagull

Miami Seaquarium

Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of bird toys and replicas

Piranha

Piranha
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2007

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of fish toys and replicas

A Blue-striped Fish

A striped fish at Miami Seaquarium
Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008
Miami Seaquarium

I have no idea what kind of fish this is, but it looked a little like a snapper when I tried to identify it. I was just happy I got it in focus, and I think it's a cool looking fish. You can see the pale blue lines better if you enlarge the photo, and if you know what it is, please tell me!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of fish toys and replicas

Lucky Day

White Pelican and Dolphin

Key Biscayne, Florida ~ January 14, 2008

Miami Seaquarium

This little girl was visibly ecstatic when she was chosen out of the crowd by the dolphin trainer for a personal encounter with this intelligent animal. I think all of us in the audience tried to live the experience through her hands and senses. What fond memories she will have, as she clearly loved being with the dolphin.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store

Please visit our page of dolphin toys and replicas