zoo Archives > What Boundaries? Live Your Dream!

Not the smartest thing I’ve ever done…filming an angry elk

Oh look! It’s a beautiful elk! He looks so powerful and strong. He’s making lots of loud elk noises, so he’s obviously not very happy. So what do I do? Go up to the fence to get a photo. But a photo isn’t enough. I want a video!

As you can see, my unhappy elk did NOT appreciate being filmed one bit! I guess it’s lucky that he didn’t jump over the fence to let me know. I could have been the featured story on Romania’s Dumbest Tourists segment. It would have served me right.

Afterwards – when I could hold my camera again without shaking – I was able to get another shot that I was proud of. From a LONG distance away!

For me, it’s so easy to get caught up in the moment while practicing travel photography. It’s all about capturing that perfect instant in time to share. So far I’ve twisted my ankle (twice!) and skinned my knees on volcanic rock while trying to get a perfect shot, but fortunately nothing too scary.

Have you ever done something “not so smart” for a photo or video? To what lengths would you go for the perfect shot? Was it worth it? (That’s a silly question. Of course it was!) 🙂

Happy shooting!

Amsterdam’s Artis Royal Zoo – Faces Photo Gallery

Let’s go explore the FACES of the Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam!

Just a quick 10 minute tram ride from Dam Square, take a right at the enormous bronze eagle – and you’re in the middle of a enormous garden of fascinating animals. There is so much to see and do…or you can choose to do nothing at all as there are so many quiet places to just sit and be one with your surroundings. The full name of the zoo is Natura Artis Magistra, which means: nature is the teacher of art and science.

Of course for me it was all about taking pictures of the animals…capturing their awesome faces to share. And I wasn’t spoiled for choice. There are over 900 species of animals to see (and 36,000 plants and 200 species of trees!).

Lemurs, lions, meerkats, and wild dogs all play under the vast canopy of woods. Artis has been the Royal Zoo of Amsterdam for over 175 years. The park-like setting began as mere saplings, but now these huge trees are majestic reminders of the green heart of Amsterdam.

The Aquarium was my favorite part! It was as if I’d stepped back in time…the Main Hall soars high while the muted colors showcase the Amazonian rainforest and coral reef exhibits so well.

If you love butterflies – this is your heaven. The Butterfly Pavilion is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, covering a thousand square meters and housing thousands of butterflies. Butterflies flitter through the air, settling briefly on flowers in the colorful borders along the walkways, where you can move freely. Twice a day, butterflies that have just crawled out of their cocoons are released into the pavilion.

The entrance fee of 19.95 EURO is covered by the I amsterdam card (we were comped two of these cards by Amsterdam Marketing Press & Media). If you’re planning for time, please give yourself at least 4 hours as there is SO much to see. To visit the planetarium, insectarium, historic aquarium, and butterfly pavilion could take all day and there are plenty of places to stop for a rest or to let the children play. If I lived in Amsterdam, I would have a year pass just so I could explore every inch of this magnificent haven. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the faces of the Artis Royal Zoo…

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