Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: captivity

This photo was taken on 6 October 2015 at the Calgary Zoo. I always find it difficult to get decent photos in this building - it's so hot and humid, with poor light and a camera lens that steams up. I'm not sure, but I think this was the first time I had seen this kind of Ibis at the Zoo. “Hadada ibises have a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, south to South Africa. They are Africa's most common and least aquatic ibis. Hadadas live in open grasslands, savannahs and rain forests, especially along wooded streams, marshes and river courses. They are also common around small towns and villages, in pastures and cultivated land and in timbered areas and are occasionally seen in the glades of deep forests. They are carnivores. In the early 1900s, Hadada Ibis underwent a marked decline in South Africa due to hunting during a period of colonial expansion. Since 1910, it has been expanding toward western Africa, probably as a result of reduced human persecution following legal protection; proliferation of imported tree species, providing new sites for resting and nesting in formerly treeless areas; construction of reservoirs; increase in irrigated land; and arrival of cattle in zones recently colonized by mans, as cow dung favors expansion of coprophagous insects, frequent prey of the species. The bird's name comes from its raucous call of "ha-ha-a-a-a-a," usually uttered on the wing. Hadadas typically call around dusk or sunrise, when returning to the roost or leaving it. One bird starts, followed by others. In large roosts, several groups may call simultaneously.” From the Oregon Zoo. www.oregonzoo.org/discover/animals/hadada-ibis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadada_ibis

Fortunately, this Cougar was seen at the Calgary Zoo, on 3 November 2014, and not in the wild! Well, at least lucky for me, but not for the Cougar. The Zoo has a pair of these powerful animals and every time I see them, I can't help but feel very thankful that I've never come across one in the wild. I always say that I would rather come across a Bear than a Cougar, any day! I always find these animals difficult to photograph, as they are usually striding along in their enclosure. Also, when other people are watching, too, their reflections in the glass spoil any shots you try to take. Every once in a while, I manage to get a shot that turns out OK. "This powerful predator roams the Americas, where it is also known as a puma, cougar, mountain lion and catamount. This big cat of many names is also found in many habitats, from Florida swamps to Canadian forests. Mountain lions like to prey on deer, though they also eat smaller animals such as coyotes, porcupines, and raccoons. They usually hunt at night or during the gloaming hours of dawn and dusk. These cats employ a blend of stealth and power, stalking their prey until an opportunity arrives to pounce, then going for the back of the neck with a fatal bite. They will hide large carcasses and feed on them for several days. Mountain lions once roamed nearly all of the United States. They were prized by hunters and despised by farmers and ranchers who suffered livestock losses at their hands. Subsequently, by the dawn of the 20th century, mountain lions were eliminated from nearly all of their range in the Midwest and Eastern U.S.—though the endangered Florida panther survives. Today, whitetail deer populations have rebounded over much of the mountain lion's former range and a few animals have appeared in more eastern states such as Missouri and Arkansas. Some biologists believe that these big cats could eventually recolonize much of their Midwest and Eastern range—if humans allow them to do so. In most western U.S. states and Canadian provinces, populations are considered sustainable enough to allow managed sport hunting. Mountain lions require a lot of room—only a few cats can survive in a 30-square-mile (78-square-kilometer) range. They are solitary and shy animals, seldom seen by humans. While they do occasionally attack people—usually children or solitary adults—statistics show that, on average, there are only four attacks and one human fatality each year in all of the U.S. and Canada." From National Geographic website. animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/mountain-l...

Fortunately, this Cougar was seen at The Calgary Zoo on 6 October 2014, and not in the wild! Well, at least lucky for me, but not for the Cougar. The Zoo has a pair of these powerful animals and every time I see them, I can't help but feel very thankful that I've never come across one in the wild. "This powerful predator roams the Americas, where it is also known as a puma, cougar, mountain lion and catamount. This big cat of many names is also found in many habitats, from Florida swamps to Canadian forests. Mountain lions like to prey on deer, though they also eat smaller animals such as coyotes, porcupines, and raccoons. They usually hunt at night or during the gloaming hours of dawn and dusk. These cats employ a blend of stealth and power, stalking their prey until an opportunity arrives to pounce, then going for the back of the neck with a fatal bite. They will hide large carcasses and feed on them for several days. Mountain lions once roamed nearly all of the United States. They were prized by hunters and despised by farmers and ranchers who suffered livestock losses at their hands. Subsequently, by the dawn of the 20th century, mountain lions were eliminated from nearly all of their range in the Midwest and Eastern U.S.—though the endangered Florida panther survives. Today, whitetail deer populations have rebounded over much of the mountain lion's former range and a few animals have appeared in more eastern states such as Missouri and Arkansas. Some biologists believe that these big cats could eventually recolonize much of their Midwest and Eastern range—if humans allow them to do so. In most western U.S. states and Canadian provinces, populations are considered sustainable enough to allow managed sport hunting. Mountain lions require a lot of room—only a few cats can survive in a 30-square-mile (78-square-kilometer) range. They are solitary and shy animals, seldom seen by humans. While they do occasionally attack people—usually children or solitary adults—statistics show that, on average, there are only four attacks and one human fatality each year in all of the U.S. and Canada." From National Geographic website. animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/mountain-l...

A photo of one of the small Swift Foxes at the Calgary Zoo, taken on 14 September 2009. Such beautiful creatures. "Captive breeding of swift foxes began in 1973 through a privately run program. In 1978, the species was officially designated as "extirpated" in Canada by COSEWIC, and a national recovery plan was approved in 1995 to reintroduce swift foxes and create a self-sustaining Canadian population. The species is now (August 20th, 2003) listed as "endangered" by COSEWIC. Swift foxes were first officially released in Alberta in 1983. By 1996, 540 foxes had been released in the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and the Milk River Ridge areas, parts of the species' native range. Most animals released were bred in captivity; the remainder were wild-born animals imported from the United States. At present (August 20th 2003), it is estimated that there are approximately 96 swift foxes in Alberta, most of them the offspring of released foxes. The population is stable or increasing slightly, but the species remains extremely vulnerable because of its small numbers and limited distribution." From www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/escc/pdf/swift_fox.pdf After yesterday morning's adventure in dense fog, I'm staying home today, watching the falling snow through my window. Boy, I should have posted a really bright, colourful, cheery photo today.

Yesterday afternoon, I called in at the Calgary Zoo, and found one of the beautiful, endangered Amur Tiger cubs (born on 30 March 2012) feasting on some rather disgusting looking part of an animal. The adult female and this cub's two siblings were also all in the small, separate enclosure, spending time relaxing in the sun. Poor Mom could barely keep awake - and no wonder, with three energetic youngsters to look after. Every once in a while, one of the other cubs would slowly inch towards the feeding cub, hoping to get the food for itself, but the cub in my photo did a great job of defending his meal. The colour of this cub is exaggerated in my photo - there were so many people viewing through the glass and so many people seem to wear white or light coloured clothing, which reflects horribly in the dirty glass. Took two or three of my photos using a different setting, resulting in more vivid colour, but at least I was able to capture better detail. Later note added on 7 October 2012: Tigers that used to be known as Siberian Tigers are now known as Amur Tigers. The name change is because their range now only includes the Amur Valley in Eastern Siberia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_tiger Wishing my family and friends, and all Canadians everywhere, a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have SO much to be thankful for, even in difficult or sad times. Enjoy this long weekend - and if you are driving, please drive carefully and don't drink and drive!

The three endangered Amur Tiger cubs, born on 30 March 2012, have grown so quickly. Though perhaps not as cute as when they were first allowed out for the public to see, it is still fun to watch them play and intereact with Mum and each other.

I think this majestic Bald Eagle almost looks rather annoyed that I've taken its photo while it was taking a bath in a very tiny stream that runs through its enclosure, ha. Not the best photo of it, with the messy background, but it doesn't often happen when I visit the Calgary Zoo, that one of the three Bald Eagles is down on the ground and reasonably close to the wire fence. It was a beautiful day yesterday, but the sun was so horribly harsh on everything. I'm lucky enough to see Bald Eagles in the wild here in the city, but can never get a close shot of them.

I am so thankful that I got this photo through glass and not out in the wild, ha! So far, I've never come across a Cougar while out on a walk or hike. Would prefer to come across a bear than one of these big cats, anyday. Taken at the Calgary Zoo on 8 September 2012, a day of very harsh sunlight - most of my photos from that day did not come out. Thinking of the victims of 9/11 and their families today. A day people will never forget.

Just managed to get a couple of quick shots of this beautiful, endangered Snow Leopard in between metal bars, which unfortunately, but understandably, have another fence outside them, between the visitors and the enclosure. Almost impossible to get even a half-decent shot of the two Big Cats, but sometimes you just get lucky. Taken at the Calgary Zoo on 28 September 2012. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_leopard

A photo taken back on 24 February 2012, at the Calgary Zoo. Though I see Bald Eagles in the wild here in the city, the Zoo is the only place where I can get a shot this close! Calgary: severe thunderstorm warning, with very heavy rainfall, large hail and strong winds! 9:30 p.m. Hold Your Clicks ....... 12:30 a.m. Hold Your Clicks .... again

Took this photo at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre down towards the US border, July 2007, so had to dig deep into my archives for this one. Now, if only I could get this close a shot of a Bald Eagle in the wild : )

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, so I was doubly saddened when I got home and noticed that the cage bars are reflected in the eyes of this beautiful Snow Leopard. I so dislike photos with cage bars, but I tried and tried in vain to get my camera to make them disappear! This animal was sitting maybe three or four feet away from me, but there was an outer metal railing a little way in front of the main cage, so I couldn't get any closer. Quite breathtaking to be that close to this animal - love their eyes.

A Short-eared Owl seen at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge, on 23rd May. An occasional report is coming in at the moment of a Short-eared Owl(s) being seen in the wild, east of the city.

Unfortunately, this isn't the wild one that is in a local park, but one of the ones that live at the Calgary Zoo. I have seen the wild one, but not for quite a while.

Saw several of these brightly coloured Parrots at the Calgary Zoo. Most of my photos of them will have to be deleted, as I just haven't mastered the challenge of photographing them through glass and with bad lighting. I certainly felt that this bird interacted with me, LOL! "Their personalities make them highly desirable pets; they have been kept as such for centuries because they are among the parrots that "talk" best. Their vocal abilities are generally considered to be bested only by the African Grey Parrot and matched by similar species such as the Yellow-naped Parrot. They are also considered loud, active, intelligent, funny, and willful. They like to test their owners and to attract the attention of visitors." From Wikipedia.