My last visit to Edinburgh Zoo was during June of this year, here in Scotland. This wasn't exactly the most summery of days, which felt pretty much the norm. Although July really did pull it out of the bag for nice weather!
So I thought I would share a little from the visit, some that wanted their photos taken, while others, clearly did not!
Meerkat
First up, we have the Meerkat, now I could make a compare the meerkat's joke here, but this was the same one in both, so maybe compare the poses 🤣
Chilean flamingo
The Flamingo, this one is always about the right spot at the right time, and hope they don't want to get too close to the viewing area so you cant get the shot you would like. But if they are where you need them to be, then you can get a lovely image like this with a pleasing depth of field.
Chimpanzee
After a good feast on the fruit and veg provided, the chips like nothing more than a good nap to sleep the food off, and quite often, using the boxes as mattresses!
This one makes you realise the similarities chimps are to ourselves. How they with for companionship, closeness and cuddles. And even just having a blanket to keep themselves snug too.
But you can also see how they wish to care for one another, with preening sessions too.
Pigmy Hippo
Now Edinburgh had a new addition over the summer months too, in the case of this little Pigmy Hippo!
Sunbear
Edinburgh has two male Sunbears under their care, both of relatively young age. I believe at one point they will both join other zoos to help with the breeding program.
Eastern Pygmy Marmoset
This is maybe one of those times I shouldn't have gone with f2.8, but it was also a moment where there was a need to let in as much light as possible for the habitat area is such a strange one for lighting.
Brown Capuchin
The Capuchin Monkey appears to carry their young quite late into their development as this one was pretty big once they were brave enough to leave their mothers back.
Could you imagine carrying a teenager around like that??
Queensland Koala
It's not often I can get a good image of the Koala's at Edinburgh Zoo, as usually, it is a case of them facing the other way flashing their bum to all who visit.
But on this day, they were alert, wanting to have a nibble and even wanting to move around
So this really was an excuse to really add more photos of the Koala's then any other animal from the day 😁
Giant Panda
There are days, where just capturing that image just isn't going to happen as you plan. And on this occasion, while the male, Yang Guang may well be up for a bit of walkabout, it did mean they wanted to stand right next to the viewing window. so this up-close image is as good as it got!
Meanwhile, in the other room, the female Tian Tian was more than happy to nap the afternoon away. Which is about normal for her!
Now I have to be honest and say that in the past 9 years, I have had my fair share of amazing photos with this pair so its no real loss, although the 10-year custodianship of them is coming to an end and currently we don't know if they are staying or returning to China. so I'd like to pick up some good images again if they are leaving.
Sumatran tiger
Another example here of having a stroke of luck timing-wise. Just as I arrived at the habitat they were sleeping but for reasons, I ended up staying a little while and managed to catch them waking up from their nap.
Gentoo Penguin
Now I end on what Edinburgh is most known for, Penguins! and in this case, the Gentoo had made off with its fishy dinner before an annoying seagull would come along to try nick it!
Just for reference;
Camera: Pentax K-3 mk1
Lens: Tamron 70-200 f2.8