The last time I will see these guys: Marah, Besar & Jalan (12/21/05) ;(

The last time I will see these guys: Marah, Besar & Jalan (12/21/05) ;(
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

From this Wednesday, my last visit to the National Zoo while Besar, Marah and Jalan will be there.

They are leaving the Zoo to go to Denver on 12/27/2005. They will be missed.
-Jon

3 Brothers to leave the National Zoo for Denver Aquarium December 27th

3
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

It sounds strange, and I haven't seen it reported, but the 3 brothers are leaving the National Zoo and going to the Aquarium in Denver.

They are leaving on the 27th for Denver, on Animal Air or Air Animal (http://www.airanimal.com/) IDK for sure, that might be their site.

I spoke with one of the keepers today, and they finally had some details. The move is going to be late at night, and to BWI and then Denver.

I'm sure I won't be the only one to miss these tigers. The three boys are named Marah, Besar and Jalan.

Read more on the fonz.org web site:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GreatCats/TigerCubDiary/

Tsavo shows some emotion for his woman

Tsavo shows some emotion for his woman
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

This was taken on 12/10/2005, on Saturday, the week he had the 2 growths removed from his mouth.

He's 17 years old now, Tsavo is, and the operation was considered a major thing. At his age, the anethesia could cause complications, and any operations are considered serious.

He had laser surgery to, in the end, and the doctors removed 2 cancerous growths from his mouth.

I really glad he's doing well.

-Jon

American Bald Eagle @ National Zoo

DSC_3199
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

I think this is the 28 year old female Bald Eagle.

This is one of my favorite shots.

-Jon

Tsavo 12/10/2005

Tsavo 12/10/2005
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

A week after surgery, Tsavo recovers. The Zoo's doctors found two growths, and testing showed them to be cancerous.

They kept him inside for a couple days after the surgery. This is from Saturday, and he was out and about with the Lioness.

There were a few stories regarding the planned surgery and then the successful outcome.

Gorilla @ DC Zoo 12/11/2005

Gorilla @ DC Zoo 12/11/2005
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

Woot. First inside shot taken with the sb-800 flash disconnected from the camera (remote).

I only took one shot this way of him... I didn't want to piss him off.

Ready...

Ready...
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

Some nice foliage at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. 4 cheetah cubs look, and wait for something.

Tigers Play - 1 [2] 3 w/ story

Tigers Play - 1 [2] 3 w/ story
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

Roar, my keg/toy!!!

Tiger Leaps in to the water! (must see large) I'm going to really miss these guys ;(

Tiger Leaps in to the water! (must see large) I'm going to really miss these guys ;(
Originally uploaded by Nikographer_Jon.

My shot of the day from today.

The keeper put a keg in the water, and the cats took turns going in to play with it. One cat already went in and came out. I think this is the second tiger to jump in the water.

I learned this weekend that the 3 brothers, Sumatran Tigers, are going to be leaving the National Zoo in Washington D.C. this month (December 2005). I'm pretty sad about it. Supposedly the Zoo will try to get the 2 remaining Sumatran Tigers (these 3's parents) to breed again and have kids next year. If so that should be fun, but I'm still sort of shocked that the three brothers are going to be gone soon. ;(