A Favorite

For this Animal Portrait, I went back into my archives to pull out what is really one of my absolute favorite photographs I have ever taken at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  I stood there for quite a while waiting to get this shot...

This is one of the handsome bachelor gorillas found along the Pangani Forest Explorations trail, and to his defense, I kinda deserved that look.  I mean, it must have been really annoying having some strange dude snapping photo after photo after photo.

And please keep in mind the dangers gorillas face in the wild.  There aren't many left and we need to do what we can to help.  As always, we encourage you to visit our conservation page to see how you can help save gorillas and assist those working to do just that.

by Dave McBride (twitter: @RadioHarambe)

Meerkats Are Cute!

Jungle Jim is back from the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to send us some portraits of the famous meerkat population found there.  This one might be looking for predators, but in fact seems to be posing for Jim's lens.

And just in case you were curious, Discoverer Meghan, our 9-year-old animal lover, claims meerkats are, in fact, cute!

Jungle Jim is Goin Gibbon!

The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom is full of surprises, such as the ruins that have become the home for a family of white-cheeked gibbons...

This male gibbon was showing off for the crowds on the day Jungle Jim took this photo.  While I always say that if you really want to appreciate the animals of DAK you need to stop and watch for a bit, on this day, something had them full of energy and posing for cameras.  The usual explanation for this is Jim's "interesting" fashion choices, but on this day he was only wearing a Dole Whip t-shirt  so we are a bit lost as to why he was so interested in having his picture taken.

Photo by Jungle Jim

You Sure Look Tasty

The Flights of Wonder show over in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom has many great aspects to it.  Not the least of which is the chance to get up close and personal with some fascinating and beautiful birds from around the world.  For people who enjoy photography, it is truly a dream location.  You can get some seriously great up close photos.  Like this one I took a few years back of a Spectacled Owl.

These Owls are found from Mexico into South American, and are nocturnal bird of prey, feeding mostly on rodents and such.  The expression on this owl's face is a complex one, and even a bit disturbing.  It looks slightly annoyed for sure, but it also looks a bit like it is picturing me as a field mouse...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Everyone's A Critic

If we wanted to, we could probably pull an entire year worth of giraffe photos out of Jungle Jim's archives.  These gorgeous animals are certainly one of the most popular at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Jim has taken plenty of great pics.

Upon first look, we were curious if Jungle Jim was maybe holding cotton candy or a Mickey Bar, as he usually does, and perhaps that aroma lured this Reticulated Giraffe over for a closer look.  But the more likely scenario is Jim was wearing another of his ridiculous Hawaiian shirt and plaid shorts ensembles, which can be enough to draw any creature in for a closer look.

photo by Jungle Jim

Walking With Rhinos

Not long ago, this rhino followed along side of our truck along the Kilimanjaro Safari trail.  She walked for about 30 yards within a few feet of us and when the truck stopped she came within touching distance.  When you are that close, you learn how beautiful and how massive these incredible creatures are.  

By Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Loving the Attention

Often times when you are lucky enough to get an up close photo of an animal, you usually end up with a "what you looking at" expression.  But there is something about this Painted Stork that makes me think he/she enjoys the attention.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)