Beautiful Owl

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
Woodland Park Zoo

We had been to see the tapirs as usual, and as we walked down a path toward another part of the zoo, we encountered a volunteer, Libbie Mistretta, with the most beautiful owl perched on her hand. She was introducing passers-by to this spectacled owl, which can be found all the way from Mexico to Argentina. I love the detailed snowflake-look of the feathers in front of its eyes. I posted a photo of this same owl earlier.

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River Horse in the Rain

Seattle, Washington ~ May 19, 2005

Woodland Park Zoo

The rain echoed teardrops at the Woodland Park Zoo as friends gathered for a memorial service for zookeeper Heidi Frohring on May 18, 2005. Her death may remind us to be wary of dangerous relationships and drugs, but her too-short life should remind us to care for life on this planet, and that one passionate voice can inspire others. Heidi died on May 1. A memorial was held at the zoo on May 18.

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Remembering Jimi Hendrix at the Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

It seems to me that zoos have become more and more eclectic over the years, and some of the fascinating things you find there are not only about animals in cages. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has this memorial to one of the world's most incredible and best-remembered guitar artists on an aggregate rock near some bird exhibits. Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle. There's also a famous memorial to him there that I haven't visited.

I took this photo within the same minute as the picture above, so it has to be here, but I can't remember now exactly where the star is located. I seem to remember that the reason I didn't photograph it so it could be seen in situ is that the girl in pink pants may be sitting on it. I think it's nice that this memorial is integrated with the play and viewing area. You come upon it completely by accident, and think, "Oh yeah, Jimi Hendrix! Cool." 

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Orangutan Sculpture

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

Woodland Park Zoo

See a real orangutan at WPZ

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Piranha

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

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Siesta

Orangutan
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

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Green on Green

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

Woodland Park Zoo

Emerald tree boa

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Reflection

Asian or Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008
Wikipedia / Tapir Preservation Fund

Weekend Reflections

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Spectacled Owl at Woodland Park Zoo

Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)

Range: Southern Mexico through South America

Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008
The Owl Pages

When I took this photo, the owl was on the arm of volunteer handler, Libbie Mistretta, who was giving a keeper talk to anyone who stopped by, and answering questions about the strikingly-colored and somewhat-friendly bird.

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Please visit our page of owl toys and replicas

Up Close

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008
Wikipedia / Woodland Park Zoo

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Hippo in the Sand

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

Woodland Park Zoo

I almost stumbled on this sculpture before I saw it. Then it took me a minute to realize what it was. Very cool, very creative. I love this sculpture! And real hippos are only a few paces away.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.