Goodbye Sweet Friend!

Click any image to see a larger version!

I recently heard the news that the beloved silverback gorilla at the Dallas Zoo, Patrick is being transferred soon to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. While a huge favorite of visitors for 18 years, Patrick was not social with other gorillas at the zoo. The move to Columbia is designed to enhance the social structure of the Dallas Zoo’s gorilla troop while giving Patrick a chance to form appropriate bonds with a new troop in South Carolina. It is a mystery why he usually prefers solitude to the company of other gorillas.

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph Patrick several times and think this is a good time to share some of those images. You’ll clearly see that Patrick is quite a personality! This gives me a good reason to hit the zoo in Columbia next time I am in South Carolina!

THANKS PATRICK! 

Photo of the Week - November 14

Hello Friends,

This week's Photo of the Week was a runaway winner. It takes us back to the Dallas Zoo and the photo shoot I did on October 30th. I found this "Lady Leo" quite mesmerizing as I hope you will.

Click HERE to see the higher resolution version of this photo.

As we draw closer to the holiday shopping season, please remember that Blue Lion images are available for purchase in a number of ways.

Prints can be ordered directly from my website at http://www.bluelionphotos.com/. When you're looking at an image, just click the "buy" button and follow the prompts to order prints and/or merchandise (mugs, mouse pads, shirts, etc....).


My 5 x 7 greeting card sets are easy to order through my Etsy page at http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluelionphotos


Finally, you can still order my 2011 wall calendar by viewing the video and then emailing me (john@bluelionphotos.com) your order.


Blue Lion Photos will let you give a unique and beautiful gift while supporting a small business!


Thanks in advance for your support!


John

Photo of the Week November 7, 2010

This week's Photo of  the Week adds a new  flavor to the blog as it is a VIDEO  posting of the most popular image(s) from the Blue Lion Photos website this week.

For those of you who wish to see the images in higher resolution, just click the links below.

Patrick's Portrait

Patrick Knuckle Walking

Patrick Snacking

Patrick Charging

ENJOY!

John

Photos of the Week - Halloween 2010

In honor of Halloween, this week's Photo of the Week is shared between two images that capture different aspects of Halloween. The first image is titled, "BOO!" and relates the fun & playful factor that seems evident on this Eurasian Eagle Owl Chick's face. His orange eyes just screamed "Halloween" to me so clearly that I made him the "October" page of my 2011 Blue Lion Photos Calendar.

Click to see a higher resolution image

The second image is brand new to me as I took it yesterday (10/30/10) at the Dallas Zoo. The bird is the endangered Waldrapp Ibis (AKA – Northern Bald Ibis, or the Hermit Ibis). Oddly, this is the only member of the Ibis family that is NOT a wading bird. They lived in the Middle East & Northern Africa and have become critically endangered with only an estimated 500 wild birds remaining in a Moroccan population. One look at these birds reveals their "spooky" and "sinister" countenance. I especially find their neck feathers to be a great addition to their unique look. To me they seem to be the Edgar Allen Poe of birds. However, this bird's portly girth suggests a more "Alfred Hitchcock" look to some!

Click to see a higher resolution image

Enjoy your Halloween and may your treats outnumber the tricks!

John