Here are the non-bird pics from the zoo. Clearly mammals are the second focus for me after birds. I think I like how expressive they can be. Plus it’s easy to anthropomorphism an ape taking a nap or bears playing with a toy or a panda passed out. Size and relation to common pets also help make them relatable. But then you see the size of bone the grizzly has the chew on and you quickly realize this is not a pet…

Something that I find fascinating about running a zoo is how do you keep all these animals fed. Like, for pandas, you need to grow your own bamboo. Or where do you get all the meat for the carnivores? I, like I assume most people, loved the idea of being a zookeeper as a child. I’m sure the actual experience is both more wild and mundane than most people recognize.

A large Mandrill monkey shows off it's teeth and colorful nose.
Meerkat standing on some dirt.
Looking down at a hairy baboon picking through grass
A tall, spotted African Serval cat sits next to a handler.
An array of antelope stand or sit in a sandy exhibit.
A large Grizzly bear swims in a pond with a very large bone in the foreground.
Two bears standing around a third bear on a swing.
A red panda passed out on a branch with legs dangling.
A Jaguar grooms it's coat.
A white anteater walks along a branch
Three turtles with geometric designs on their shells in an exhibit.
Three capybara in an exhibit around a waterfall.