Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Victoria amazonica

Not my favourite way to start an early morning - a Blue Screen of Death on my computer while I was uploading my photos. Good news, however, as far as the hacking/scamming of my computer about two weeks ago is concerned. I managed to get my money refunded from the 'company', which is great! As you can tell from this morning's postings, I made the most of a few hours of mixed sunshine and cloud, and made a visit to the Zoo yesterday, 5 October 2018. I find that a bright, sunny day gives more light inside the Conservatory. Not that it really mattered, as there were only three tropical butterflies left - and those three were being harassed by several young children, so I came home with just one butterfly photo. The tropical plants were in better shape and offered lots of cheery colour. Mainly because I got to the Zoo part way through the afternoon, I got no further than the Conservatory, which is always my favourite place. This time, I did see two Red Pandas and the beautiful Giant Pandas that are on loan to the Zoo for five (?) years. Gobi, the baby Bactrian Camel was snuggled next to one of the adults. Managed to catch one of the Japanese Macaques when it was down on the ground, though the double wire fencing makes photos a challenge. A new addition to the Zoo is a Pallas's Cat. These animals look so funny/cute, but yesterday it was curled up inside a dark log, with just its tail protruding. I was so thankful that I made this one last visit to the Zoo till next spring, as I found out that 'my' parking lot closes in a couple of days' time. This always happens each winter, and the other, main lot is out of my driving comfort zone.

The last time I visited the Calgary Zoo was on 6 October 2015. I used to go fairly often, but my usual parking lot and Zoo entrance then closed for the winter. Since then, road construction and bridge replacement have been going on, but has now been completed. The drive to the north entrance of the Zoo is definitely out of my driving comfort zone, so I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Yesterday was THE day - for me and for half the people in the city!! It was packed! I had decided to go before schools close tomorrow for the summer. However, I suspect some schools had end-of-term Zoo visits yesterday. When I checked the weather forecast, rain was in the forecast for the next six days, so I knew i needed to go straight away. My visit only covered about half the Zoo, as I usually spend a lot of time in the Conservatory, enjoying the plants and tropical butterflies. My daughter had taken a photo of a gigantic lily pad, Victoria Water Lily / Victoria amazonica, and I really wanted to see it. There were three or four of these in a tiny pool. I love the pattern on the underside of the upturned edge of each lily pad. A lady who was a volunteer told me that people (kids?) damage the rims of these spectacular leaves. Too bad that parents don't control their kids! I didn't see a huge variety of butterfly species, but there were enough to keep me happily clicking for a short while. My intention had not been to visit the Panda family, as I was sure there would be an extremely long line-up. However, I was able to just walk in, which was great. How lucky we are to have these four amazing animals visit our Zoo. They were in an inside enclosure, full of plants - and Bamboo, of course. I'm not sure how many hours a day these animals sleep, but two of the three that could be seen slept for part of the time I was there. Had to smile at the very uncomfortable positions in which they slept. There was no glass in front of the Panda in the photo I posted this morning, but two other Pandas were in a glassed-in part of the enclosure. Almost impossible to get photos without the reflections of the crowds of people. I will add some information alter about these very special guests of our Zoo. The Bactrian Camel had recently given birth to a baby - such a cute little thing. No sign of the Red Pandas when I passed their enclosure. One of the birds I love to see - though these birds tend to hide! - is the amazing Himalayan Monal. The male, especially, takes my breath away each time I see it. A few hours well spent happily clicking. Hopefully, it won't be almost three years before my next visit, though the west entrance does close each winter. It felt so good to once again be back in a place full of colour and interest.