Wildlife at it's best

The wildlife you will see in this edition of our blog should be very interesting when you consider many of the following factors. We were not in Africa to capture the images of the lions and tigers. We were not in bear or wolf country to get the photographs of these wild critters. When you look at the images you will see contentment and very healthy animals. Before I answer the questions that I just posed, let's look at the photographs.

You've seen wolves that I have photographed since they were re-introduced in the wild. This wolf was not in Yellowstone National Park and seems very relaxed and healthy.

Was this tiger posing for me to take this photograph, was it looking for something to attack, or had it just finished eating. I was at least 1500 feet away and you get this image as a result of zoom lens and software. It seems that it had plenty of roaming room which in fact it did.

Maybe something was itching the back of it's neck. It was not concerned about me being near by or it could have been very tense. Have you ever seen a tiger as relaxed as this one and it seems to be enjoying the comfort of the scratch.

This bear seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere. But it was a very healthy bear and I can assure you that it was not being chased by another critter. You aren't seeing any trees in the photos and it doesn't look like a park or a jungle.

When was the last time you saw a lion this relaxed. It's resting in the sun and there doesn't appear to be tens of people peering at it. If you like wildlife, you might enjoy visiting them. Keep reading and we'll finish the story before you you're through.

Is this more of what you would expect with these creatures? This seems to be more like what you would expect of a lion in the wild. Or, is it mating season and this guy is calling his girl friend or telling his competitor that this is his territory.

Based on this picture, it was none of the above. He's content with his surroundings and is probably ready to take a nap.

So where was I? This visit was a lot better than any zoo that I've been to, especially if you are concerned about the life of these animals. Being penned up in cage for your life is OK if you are on the other side of the cage, but if you are the animal, it's not like it was in the wild. 

We had the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado a few years ago and have returned  each time we're in Boulder, Colorado visiting our family and grandchildren. The owners of the sanctuary and generous contributions have permitted them to give these animals freedoms that few captured wild life ever get. I was on a mile long elevated walkway taking these photographs. The wildlife were not in the least bit concerned about our visit as you can see from these pictures.

I have added the logo of the Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the website for those of you who are interested in learning more about these animals and their benefactors. If you are ever in the Denver area, take the time to visit this wonderful establishment.

It was fun having the opportunity to capture the images of these animals without having to spend days and dollars traveling to their natural habitat.

                                                                           ENJOY

A day to remember, a wonderful experience

While visiting the Jeff Teegardin's at Thanksgiving, Marty noticed in one of their magazines a nearby wild animal sanctuary. The decsion was to drive there on Friday and the the wild animals. I have been to Africa, zoo's, and wild animal parks, but nothing affected my emotions as much as this place. In addition to having over 200 large wild animals, we learned that they had all been held in captivity - most illegally - and could not be returned to the wild.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is 30 years old and has been rescuing captive large carnivores. This doesn't seem much of a mission until you learn the facts of the current inhabitants. One of the most significant facts that I learned, which puts their mission into perspective, is that in the State of Texas there are more Tigers living in captivity than there are in the wild throughout the world. Where can these animals go if they are no longer welcome at their "home" or are being neglected and/or abused. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is one of the few places available. They way they operate and take care of these creatures brings tears to your eyes.

So, did you take some pictures, Clint? Yes, I had my new Canon camera, and as I have told several people who have seen these pictures, it wasn't the photographer, it was the camera.
Each of the animals in the pictures, as well as at the sanctuary, has a story behind it. As you learn how they have been treated, where they came from, why they were orphaned, and how they were blended into the Sanctuary, you become very emotional.

and there were lions

and what do you think of these cuddly creatures

There were also bears which were mostly in hibernation and the healthiest wolves I've ever seen. Having visited Yellowstone National Park for the last 10 years, I've seen lots of wolves, but these wolves just eat, play, and sleep, they don't have to scavage for their dinner. They were behind some very heavy fence and I did't get a picture of them.

Curtis and Peter got into the action as they got their picture taken there as well. They didn't get to share in the wonderful meals that the wild animals partake in daily, but they had enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner the day before.

If this has stimulated some interest, you can learn more by visiting the web site, www.wildlife-sanctuary.com or e-mail them at information@wildlife-sanctuary.org. Clint and Marty have made a donation to their cause.