Since April 8th is Zoo Lover’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about some of the extraordinary zoos that are out there to visit. In many ways, a zoo is a perfect place to take some great photographs and videos and practice your skills with a camera. The enclosures that animals are kept in are designed to both give the animals privacy when they want to be left alone but at the same time be open enough to be easily spotted by people. Some advice though before taking photographs or videos at a zoo is:

• Be careful with your flash on your camera. Some enclosures are purposefully kept dark for the nocturnal animals and they may get distressed if you shine bright lights at them
• Never knock on the glass or agitate the animals if they don’t move like you want them to. This seems like it should be common sense, but you’d be surprised
• Many animals might be sleeping or hiding when you come to visit. Make optimum use of your time by visiting the animals that are the most active first

From my own experience, I can also say that while going to a zoo may be exciting at first, don’t go overboard with the created content. I can’t tell you how many photos I’ve taken at a zoo that didn’t turn out very good and I’ll probably never look at again. So my advice would be quality over quantity, which means not taking a picture of every enclosure but instead take a few good ones and enjoy yourself while you’re there. This can apply to anywhere you go to on your travels. Many of us get so occupied with taking as many photos as we can that we spend the entire trip behind a lens and don’t take the time to enjoy ourselves while we’re there. So next time you visit the zoo or wherever you go, remember to put the phone away and be in the moment!

So here are a few of the zoos I’ve visited throughout the country and the world. Do you have a favorite zoo that you’ve visited? Make sure to comment down below and I will see everyone next blog!

Philadelphia Zoo: A great animal park with a wide variety of species and enclosures. While it may have been a cold and rainy day when I visited, the animals didn’t seem to mind and I got some great shots!

Baltimore Aquarium: Probably the best aquarium I’ve ever been to. Stunning underwater exhibits that were absolutely beautiful to see in person. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Johannesburg Zoo: This South African zoo might be my personal favorite! The enclosures where great and spacious, and there was just something about seeing all these amazing animals on their natural continent that added to the magic of it all.