Litchfield Park AZ

April 22, 2019 at White Tank Mountains

April 23, 2019 By Administrator

It was a beautiful spring morning and I decided to apply sunscreen, grab my camera, jump in the car, and head for the White Tank Mountains. It’s about a 25-minute drive straight west. They look so bare from home, but as you approach, you begin to see the color and growth. Sure, we’re in the Sonoran Desert, but it has its own beauty. I’ve been coming here for decades and have always been thrilled at the beauty and personality of the White Tanks. Next year I’ll come earlier for the wildflowers. They’re on their way out. Cactus blossoms are just beginning. Enjoy!

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Kemp’s ridley – endangered turtle at Zoo

January 26, 2013 By Administrator

I recently visited the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, and was able to get a few good shots of a beautiful, colorful turtle: Kemp’s ridley (ridley is a kind of turtle). Enjoy my artistic renderings…they are fairly close to the originals, but enhance detail and color and seem to give the images more life and energy. The Kemp’s ridley is in the brand new 4th aquarium building, which is full of fascinating sea creatures.

“These turtles change color as they mature. As hatchlings, they are almost entirely a dark gray-black, but mature adults have a yellow-green or white plastron and a grey-green carapace,” says Wikipedia. I have added some links if you’re interested in learning more about this sweet little creature.

Wikipedia
NOAA Fisheries
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium Continues Growth

October 21, 2012 By Administrator

This past week I visited the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Litchfield Park, AZ. I’ve been visiting for at least 20 years, and each time I leave I am impressed with the changes from the previous visit. Always well thought out to delight the public, and children of all ages.

On this visit, I saw many new completed projects and postings of new features to come.

Loved Dragon World. Often-dangerous subjects: a photographer’s dream. Meaning many exotic creatures, like a 28-foot-long Reticulated Python, separated from the viewers by thick glass. Watched probably the longest snake move from a long thin line into a relaxed, curled up position. My brother took a video of it. The ever-so-slow movement itself was fascinating, and so was the amazing design.

Wikipedia says, “Like all pythons, they are nonvenomous constrictors and normally not considered dangerous to humans.” Yeah. Right.

We spent three hours photographing many exhibits, but were too tired (and hungry) to continue on to the aquarium area, which is simply humongous. And fascinating. Next week, perhaps.

Vorfeld, Crook, Retallick hit Zoo!

April 19, 2009 By Administrator

My brother, David Crook, joined me and Martha Retallick of Tucson as we spent several hours at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. We had Sunday Brunch there, and it was fabulous. I love it when great food and a casual atmosphere blend. It means I can eat my bacon with my fingers.

Here are just a few of my shots, mostly redigitized, which I love to do.

Peacock at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Two Fish at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Fabulous Fish Face at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium