News from the National Zoo

As most of you know by now, Bill and I do a lot of photography at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. There are been some new arrivals at the zoo that should provide some great photo opportunities this summer.

Tai Shan, the panda cub, will have his first birthday on July 9. The zoo is planning a birthday celebration for him. Currently, Tai Shan is outside all day long – frequently hiding up in the trees. If you can’t see him from the main viewing area, be sure to stop by the Panda Café for an alternate view.

Hana, the sloth bear, had a male cub on January 9, 2006. Hana and her cub are in their outdoor enclosure most days from 8 AM until 2 PM. If you are lucky, you’ll see Hana carrying her son on her back.

On May 24, Soyono, the Sumatran tiger, had another litter of three cubs, two females and a male. No word yet on when they will go on exhibit. Her previous litter was 4 months old when they went on display. The three male cubs from the previous litter are now living in Denver.

Recently, a group of Tammar Wallabies have gone on display at the Zoo. The group of four adults and two babies on are display near the Cheetah Conservation station.

Cheetahs Damara and Askari, the two males from Tumai’s litter born in November 2004 have left the zoo and are now at the Milwaukee Zoo. Their sisters, Imara and Hatima will be leaving for the Cape May Zoo in New Jersey shortly. While everyone in DC will miss Tumai’s cubs, it is nice to know that the success in breeding cheetahs at the National Zoo means more cheetahs are available for the Species Survival Plan.

If you are going to be the in Washington, DC area this summer, be sure to stop by the National Zoo for some fun photography opportunities.

Below are some photos:

Copyright 2006 William Lawrence

Tai Shan peeking out from the branches of his favorite tree. Photo was taken in April 2006.

Copyright 2006. Patty Hankins

Tumai's daughters, Hatima and Imara. Photo was taken in May 2006.

Copyright 2006 William Lawrence

Hana, the sloth bear, and her as of yet unamed cub.