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10-DEC-2011 Cindy Flood

Michael

Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ

I went to visit the Bornean Orangutan family at the Phoenix Zoo. They just moved into a beautiful new home. There is more room for them to roam and swing and play, but it is a little less optimum for photography because you have to shoot through glass with lots of reflection coming into the frame. This is Michael, the male. The handlers sprinkle cereal in the bedding on the floor and he is searching through it for goodies. The other members of the family are the 50+ year old Duchess, her daughter, Bess. Bess and Michael produced Kasih, who will be six in February. Watching them interact is absolutely fascinating.

Sony Alpha NEX-5N ,Leica 135 f/2.8 Elmarit-M
1/60s f/1.0 iso2500 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Frank Kavanagh Photography16-Dec-2011 22:55
He's a big fella all right, a fine animal.
Nice shot.
Guest 16-Dec-2011 04:29
Beautiful image and capture,nice work.
Michael Edwards16-Dec-2011 03:53
Misnamed, in my opinion.
Poor redhead.
You'd think he'd at least be "Rusty".
Beautiful portrait...
Pete Hemington15-Dec-2011 21:09
Ineresting background and great character
hal 14-Dec-2011 23:47
A wonderful photo of a fascinating animal Cindy.
So nearly human. A matter of a few chromosomes.
l like his blinkers.
stoge14-Dec-2011 23:33
Certainly looks happy! well Done!
Cindy Flood14-Dec-2011 14:27
Thanks Maggie, Bob, Terry and Lennart. The Bornean and Sumatran Orangutans are the two species of Orangutan in the world. Both are endangered, so it is wonderful that zoos are trying to perpetuate the species. This family seems very happy to swing from the bamboo poles and ropes in the play-yard. They now have access to this heated glassed-in room that Michael was in. Duchess is known for her artwork. She has painted, and her work has been sold as a fund- raiser.
Males have the neck pouch and cheek pads that distinguish them from females. All Orangutans have feet that are almost the same as their hands so that they can grasp tree branches with all four appendages. They live to about 35 years in the wild, but can live to 60 years in a zoo. Duchess has been at the Phoenix zoo from the beginning (1962) and is the oldest Orangutan in captivity at 51.
Lennart Waara14-Dec-2011 09:46
Cindy, this is such a beautiful face and you really have managed to picture it and present it to us in this great photo! Excellent work!
Terry_O14-Dec-2011 06:43
What gorgeous specimen, Cindy. I'm sure they take very good care of him and
his group. He looks quite contented. Wonderful portrait. Love the lighting.
Guest 14-Dec-2011 05:19
The glass does not seem to be an issue at all. I like the shot against the cement wall... kind of looks like a studio backdrop, but can't help but feel sorrow at the captivity of these beautiful, intelligent animals. I hope they are well adapted and I am sure they are very well cared for.
Guest 14-Dec-2011 01:45
I have never seen one of these monkeys!! Wonderful capture Cindy!!