Walking at the Zoo
This morning I made my way to the Detroit Zoo for the 2010 Worldwide Photo Walk. I was looking forward to the experience because for one reason or the other, I was not able to make the last 2 photo walks.
While I was looking forward to the experience, I was not all that thrilled with the location. I don’t have any strong feelings against zoos whatsoever but I do know that the Detroit Zoo sucks. If you live in the Detroit, you know what I mean.
The last two trips I made there, I hardly saw any animals out which made for long hot walks without any good sighting. Honestly, It’s like I see more wild animals near my home.
By the end of the walk, I felt a little better about the zoo because today was the 1st time in years that I’ve seen so many animals. I actually enjoyed myself watching many of the exhibits with frolicking captive depressed animals.
In terms of the walk itself, I found it to be a bore. Our leader was cool but he seemed to be more interested in talking on his phone than interacting with the group. Then I got separated from the, which was OK I guess, I don’t mind exploring alone but I was hoping to connect & socialize.
Well, I did socialize with this one guy who seemed cool but during the course of our conversation, he told me that he ate a peacock before on a trip to west Africa. I was shocked. Who eats peacocks? I mean, I know that they’re not endangered but I just was disgusted. After he shared, that bit of info, I shook him as fas as I could. (somewhat related & interesting)
The one cool thing that jumped off after the fact was the super awesome strawberry lemonade that I got from Sonic. I really needed a delicious fruity drink after a 3-hour walk in the heat.
I’m certain that will not do another photo walk in the future unless I organize it! Been there done that, was bored overall. I’m just saying.
Did you do the Worldwide Photo Walk?Did you have a better experience & are your photos posted online. I would love to see them.
You got some good animal shots in your set. I love the zebra, the flamingoes and the seagulls at the end.
Last year I had a so-so experience–it’s difficult to do a group walk in NYC when everybody has a backpack and a camera. Our first stop was the Brooklyn Bridge. After that, I never saw the group again. I did come across a young lady and we did the walk ourselves using the map the leader handed out.
This year it was better. I walked in NJ this time where it’s less crowded so it was easier to keep an eye on the group. Even though I got separated from the group, I was able to catch up with them at the end. The leader was nice and sociable, and I got to socialize with some folks in the end.
Thx Mary. The shots that you mention are my faves, especially the seagulls. That was like a bonus for me.
I don’t think I will do this walk again. Well, maybe I will if there is a different leader, which is possible. He just was not engaged & that was a downer for me. Perhaps Im just too needed.???
T – enjoyed your zoo photos. I did the WWPW in Jersey City NJ. Live in Jersey most my life but have not ventured much in Jersey City. We had about 35 people walking and the leader was familiar with the area. He pointed out some things of interest and we saw old, new, and Jersey views of NYC. About half of the group met in a cool beer garden at the end. Overall I enjoyed the experience but found less conversation on “photography” than I expected (maybe it was me)11. I have had stronger conversations with my Flickr meet-ups. You have the talent and experience to be a walk leader. DO IT! Here are my walk photos. Let me know what you think….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/narratography-apj/sets/72157624574993896/
AJ
Anthony, you got some GREAT shots! I commented on Flickr so that it looks like you played two roles. Both a photographer & archivist for the group. You walk seems like way more fun than mine.
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Tarari, I am so so so sorry about the boring trip to the zoo for the photowalk…. I feel ya!
Last summer I took an excursion to the zoo with my son in tow. Mine was a short trip because I was quite bored with the lack of animals. When my son was younger we looked forward to feeding time for the elephants but now there isn’t any elephants.
The most exciting adventure we had was the Zebra’s were mating and there was this one male one who really was trying to go at it! But the female was not happy.
It was fun watching all of the parents frantically scattering away to keep the toddlers from viewing and asking questions.
Anyhoo, My day ended with my son and I spending time in the Dinosaur exhibit!
You know, I thought I was crazy because when I left, I was like, ummmm, I didn’t see any elephants.
I remember back in the day being so excited to see them & how they have elephant foot print around the zoo.
I tell you, that place just has no lustre & that is sad.
Wehn my family goes to the zoo, we go to Toledo. They have an excellent zoo & it is never a disappointment!