Ming & Suki, the Leopards at Panther Ridge

There are two Leopards at Panther Ridge, Ming and Suki.  Their coats are beautiful, their eyes are gorgeous - just like the Jaguar, they are very photogenic.

Things were different at Panther Ridge this time, and I was not able to photograph the Leopards very well.  Some ungrateful, trouble-making person called in and filed a complaint against Panther Ridge.  As a result, they had to make some changes at the facility.    We were no longer able to put our lenses up to the fence and get an unrestricted shot of these beautiful animals.  Instead, they built a fence behind another fence, and we had to shoot through both fences.  It was nearly impossible to get an unobstructed shot.  The only reason I got these is because I had a huge telephoto lens on and the depth of field blurred out the foreground.  The faint white markings on these shots, are blurred-out fence.  We are all so disappointed that this person spoiled the exclusive access that Panther Ridge was giving to our photography group. 

Nap time for this Leopard.  I thought it was a cute shot.

Bella the Jaguar at Panther Ridge

This is Bella, the young Jaguar at Panther Ridge.  Not only is her fur beautiful, but she has these amazing eyes that are playful and full of light. 

Bella loves to play in the pool.  She jumps right in after her toys, lounges for a while, and jumps out when she's ready. 

Bella's coat is normally yellow and tan, but the color can vary from reddish brown to black.  The spots on her coat are more solid and black on the head and neck and become larger rosette-shaped patterns along the side and back of the body.

Bella is so playful and photogenic - she's a lot of fun to photograph.

Charlie the Cheetah at Panther Ridge

I had another chance to go back to Panther Ridge to photograph the Cheetah, Jaguar, Lepoards and other endangered species of big cats.  This is Charlie, he is the resident Cheetah.  I love the "tear mark" markings on his face.








An adult has yellow or tan fur with solid round black or oval spots.  The spots cover nearly the entire body; only the white throat and abdomen are unmarked. 





The tail ends with 4-6 black rings with a bushy, white tuft. 

Virtually every part of it's body is adapted in some way to help it run faster.  Special paw pads and semi-retractable claws provide great traction. Large nostrils and  lungs provide quick air intake; a large liver, heart and adrenals also facilitate a rapid physical response. A long, fluid, greyhound-like body is streamlined over light bones. 

 The tail acts as a rudder for quick turning plus the eye's retinal fovea is of an elongated shape, giving the cheetah a sharp, wide-angle view of its surroundings. The dark tear marks beneath each eye may also enhance its visual acuity by minimizing the sun's glare.

But the great speed is very taxing physiologically. The top speed, 71 miles per hour, can usually be maintained for only 200-300 yards.  At that point, the Cheetah's body temperature increases from the exertion and rest is mandatory. 

Charlie is an endangered species.  I have really enjoyed photographing him at Panther Ridge.   

Horses at Panther Ridge

Went back to Panther Ridge a second time, this time they had a few horses for us to photograph.  A few of them were practicing jumps. 

 But this horse was acting playful and made me laugh.

I think if you look closely enough, you could see what he had for breakfast.  He's not shy. 

From Ice Fishing to Deep Sea Fishing

When I was in Minnesota we drove out on the lake to see what the guys were up to. They had a few tip-ups out and there was the cutest little boy absolutely having a blast.  I think the older ones did too.

When I got back to Florida, it was someone's birthday and all he wanted to do was go deep sea fishing.  Several degrees difference in temperature, but still fun both ways.

Winter Fun

So many things to do in the winter...  if you can take the cold. 

The scenery is truly beautiful. 

 Maybe a little ice fishing... 

  

Or snowmobiling...

Or going for a run...

  

 How about building a snowman?

Winter can be fun, as long as you have a nice warm house to come home to.