128/237 + 1

125/240 + 1

I went to visit our local Humane Society, which also serves as a Animal Refuge for wildlife that are sick, elderly, abandoned , abused, or injured, and which could no longer survive in its natural habitat.  I am not certain who was watching who.

310/55

Many towns and cities have a local humane society. Ours is different from many others. Not only do they treat and house dogs, cats and other domestic animals, but they care for sick, neglected, and abused exotics, wildlife, farm animals and birds. Each of God’s creatures been rescued from suffering, exploitation and/or death - each has its own unique story to tell.

At three months of age, Sandy and her sister Candy were legally shipped, in a suitcase, to New Jersey. Luckily, these lovely girls were discovered at Newark airport and taken to the zoo where they have lived and grown into beautiful ladies.

205/160

Day 3 of 100+ temperatures, it is starting to wear on me and I would venture to say everyone else in the northeast.
It’s difficult to be motivated to do much when you’re sweating just sitting still.

199/166

Zoos are such a mixed bag of emotions for me. Are they for entertainment or education? Do they help to save endangered species or due to the low birth rate would the animals be better off in their natural environment? Do they feel safe from predators or are they bored? Do they like having their dinner served to them or would they rather hunt? Should we hold animals in captivity or as Peter Singer asked in the 1970s, do they have rights?

15/350

Dana and I have been venturing out around the town and local areas, trying to capture new and interesting places to practice our skills. After the last snowfall, we drove out to the far side of town to a remote lake which features a covered bridge and a small waterfall. After spending well over an hour out in the brisk air, I was frozen to the bone and we (I) made the decision to get back in the warmth of the car and trek off to a new location.

Not much further down the road is our local Humane Society, animal shelter and a rescue zoo. Dana and I made a “pinky promise” not to go into the shelter. With 5, much loved, pets between us, either of us needs another animal in our homes. We knew enough not to be tempted. To our misfortune, the zoo area was closed, but after peering through the fencing we spied a flock of peacocks. Their brilliant colors stood out against the sparkling white snow, a sight we could not pass up. Suddenly, I was forgetting about my frozen toes and fingers.

ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/250

Caged ~