Meet Patrick.

[Maestro]

Parick is a young teenager. From the pic, you will see that he is a Lowlands Silverback gorilla. I honestly have never been this close to any gorilla much less so close that I can smell the acrid odor he gives off. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience. Patrick was very curious. He was especially by human feet. The visitors to this area of the Dallas Zoo soon figured out that Patrick had this "foot fetish" as many people were wearing sandals and such. He would stop and analyze feet very intently and if the person wiggled his or her toes, he would sometimes look at his own hand and move his fingers. It was quite incredible. It is very strange to look into the eyes of an animal and see so much personality. Of course, I realize all higher animals have a personality. I can see that in the dogs and cats I have had. However, to look into Patrick's eyes and see how much he is like me was simply a stunning experience. I now know why so many passaionate people try to save these guys as others so dedicated to so many animals. Our wildlife is truly precious.

I only wish this series was better but Patrick would not go out into the wide-open so I could take pictures of him without having a glass wall between us and he would move very quickly so some of the shots show quite a bit of motion blur. Anyway, I like the pics because of his facial expressions. I swear in some he is smiling. He seemed very happy and loved to play with the visitors. I was and I am still amazed.

Meet Patrick.


Full view of small area where he saw met Patrick.


Both of these pics show quite a bit of motion blur but it was very hard to get good shots of him. He was moving all around, but I do like the facial expressions.




Laying down looking at feet.


Look at the fascination in the child's eyes behind Patrick.


I swear he is smiling here.


This next shot is not that good. What you see is Patrick staring and analyzing my wife's foot of which you see a reflection in the glass.


Continuing to admire the foot.


Awesome creatures!

EXIF data for the various photos can be obtained here: http://Maestros.smugmug.com/gallery/691094/17/84789273

[Blue_In_AK]

1. Nice photos...

He is quite a magnificent creature. You know what they say -- there are only a few genes' difference between humans and the apes, so it's not surprising that he seems so like us.

[TahitiNut]

2. Now's the time for you to read "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553375407.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIlitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,32,-59_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Maestro]

3. Neat premise for a book.

I just might have to get it. Thanks.

[TahitiNut]

4. It's NOT great literature, by any stretch of the imagination, but ...

... it's good for forming new paradigms for thinking of the scope of human civilization, imho.

[Immad2]

5. Wow! Nice photos. I particularly like the fourth picture.

:bounce: :thumbsup: :applause:

[Maestro]

6. Thanks.

I plan on going back to the zoo when it's much cooler so I can hopefully catch Patrick out in the open areas so I don't have to deal with the glass.

[NV Whino]

7. Magnificent critter

and even with the glass, you've done him justice.

The fourth photo is a wonderful portrait.

[Maestro]

8. Thanks

I plan on doing him better justice later in the year. :)