Sadly the Philadelphia Zoo had to say goodbye to its long time resident lion “Merlin” yesterday morning. YOu can read the Philadelphia zoo's post here. I remember his proud gaze when I was visiting back in September of last year. He was 21 years old and fathered 11 cubs. Regal is how I’ll remember him. A king now at rest.
Impala Fountain
The zoo was one of the first field trips I went on as a child. What young boy doesn’t give pause over the thought of lions, alligators, snakes, monkeys and wolves? Even in elementary school I could see pictures of these creatures any time I wanted (there was a lion on my spin-n-spell) and they dazzled my imagination, but to be granted the opportunity to visit them where they lived, that was “way cool”. I remember packing a lunch in a brown bag and boarding the school bus for the long ride to a place called Philadelphia. After single filing through the turnstiles, and picking groups of 5 friends to explore with, I began my first (and to this day only) safari. At least that’s what it felt like in second grade. More tomorrow...
The Impala Fountain at the Philadelphia Zoo was completed in 1962 by Henry Mitchell and is one of my earliest memories.
Impala Fountain
Nikon D800 Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 @ 21mm f/9 ISO 100 HDR
Image not for sale