When Animals Speak

I was flipping through some of my zoo and outdoor photos recently when I noticed a disturbing trend. Either I am the world’s worst photographer ~ often capturing all BUTT the moment ~ or animals have the ability to spin on a dime within a fraction of a second. Or both. In any case, they sure do have much to say.

"Another camera ... Quick! There's a clump of trees over here!"

"No no no, it's LEFT foot out, left foot in, you can't shake it all about till you've followed all the steps!"

"Pose for you lady? In a pig's ass I will."

"Hmph ... I don't think we're in Kenya anymore."

"I got your stripes right here lady ... get your own stars."

All of the above photos were taken at Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island.

And sometimes, just sometimes ... the creatures actually cooperate!

"These morning workouts are killing me - though it does appear I've lost a bit of shell this time around."

"Phew! Just made it. I love playing "chicken" with fishing boats."

"Put that camera away or we shall SPIT in your general direction!"

"What? You want "smile"? This is the best I can do."

"Mmmm... my little sugar pie. WHAT'S THIS? You've shaved your neck again?"

"I was going for the muddy-foot look. Do you think I've captured it?"

"And on tonight's menu ... woodpecker with a side of sparrow..."

[Meet the theraphosa blondi - this goliath bird spider lives in the jungles of South America and feeds on small birds. With legs fully stretched, he is the size of your average dinner plate. He is about as harmful to humans as a wasp, and even at that will only attack when threatened (i.e.boxed in, etc). This guy was a guest at the aquarium during a special exhibit they featured during my employ there. And nope, I didn't touch him.]

*Congrats to June for scoring the highest on my little quiz (Ed and SJ don't count - they are family!). Thanks to all who took the test - hope it was as fun for you as it was for me!*

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

And I couldn't pass this one up for all the tea in England ...

"When I see professional clowns, mimes, or people that make balloon animals, I always think of their relatives and how disappointed they must be." Source Unknown