Seal of Approval

We know. Some of you are booing and hissing at the title of this post, but it's true. We approve! This cement sculpture, a childhood memory for many Pueblo-ans has been refurbished and re-displayed at the City Park Zoo. Legend has it (see, now aren't you intrigued?) that this sculpture, originally cement colored, was accidentally buried under the rubble during construction work at what was once the Lion House. It wasn't discovered for years! Once it was found, the sea lions were repaired and painted black. If we re-call, the sculpture was originally in or around a fountain. The memory of water ponds on each side of the doorway going into the Lion House is vivid. But you know, we won't say how many years ago that was. All we know is that it disappeared and is now back again!
We'd sure love to hear from anyone that has more details!
Have a happy day everyone!

He Otter Use His Teeth

Ok, no groaning at the post title. We couldn't help ourselves! This photo, taken by PPAD photog Teddy, captures a magical glimpse of the day of an otter's life. He wasn't trying to pick this cup up out of his pool, it was his toy for a few hours as he pushed it around through the water with his nose enjoying the bubbles it made. If you have time to stop by the Pueblo Zoo in the coming week, the animals usually get a pumpkin as treat. If this cup provided hours of fun, wait till you see the floating pumpkin snack!

A Rare Close-up

We can't help it. We are fans of the zoo here at PPAD. Almost anytime we go out on a shoot half the crew wants to do it at the zoo. Oh, we understand why, and on this particular day we got a real special treat. The lion, usually allusive and aloof on top of his mountain, was up and about and sauntered right over to us and gave us a great shot.  A little too close for comfort for some us!

Meet Baby Nova

"Star", a lemur species protected in Madagascar, became a first time mother to "Nova" earlier this spring.

If you haven't made it to the Pueblo Zoo this summer, you need to make a trip out there to say hello to "Nova". She is the baby lemur pictured here riding atop her mom "Star".  The day we were there she was so playful it made it hard for our photographer Teddy, to get a good snap. He finally managed when a plate of food was brought out. It slowed her down for about 2 seconds!
Zoo curator Marilyn McBirney tells us she had her first visit outside on Monkey Island this week.
We imagine, after she feels brave enough to leave mom a bit, she will be all over the place!