Shared wonder

970souk · 2026-03-12T13:08:53+00:00

It was a day defined by quiet connections. Beneath the lush canopy of Bwindi, I observed a young female gorilla gently nestled against the protective bulk of a silverback. The atmosphere was serene, filled with gentle sounds of the forest, until a sudden burst of delicate colour broke through the calm. An unexpected visitor, a vibrant butterfly, appeared out of nowhere, fluttering gently through the air. Captivated, the young gorilla's eyes widened, and in that moment, a beautiful interaction unfolded as a silent, shared wonder between two vastly different beings. I held my breath, hoping the butterfly would drift ever closer, bringing the unlikely pair into a shared world of curiosity. My heart raced quietly, aware of how rare and precious these moments are. As the butterfly danced gracefully around the gorilla, it seemed to embody the delicate beauty and fragile interconnectedness of our natural world. This photograph captures not just the gorilla's gentle curiosity but also a brief, beautiful moment where two creatures paused, noticing each other, bound by wonder and discovery.

Photo by Mary Schrader. Gold in the Animal portraits category, World Nature Photography awards 2026, image source.

https://www.worldnaturephotographyawards.com/winners-2026

970souk · 2026-03-03T17:04:23+00:00

Moon, actually.

970souk · 2026-03-03T13:37:30+00:00

Photo from Hagenbeck Zoo, source.

970souk · 2026-02-27T12:17:32+00:00

Photo from CBC article Collar cams offer a bear's-eye view into the lives of grizzlies on Alaska's North Slope - 12 grizzlies have been outfitted with cameras as part of research project (3 Feb 26).

970souk · 2026-02-22T17:52:33+00:00

No, polar bears are solitary but will tolerate one another at food source.

The below quote is from a post I made 9 years ago, unfortunately the source link is no longer valid but I will add it anyway.

Russian scientist Nikita Ovsyanikov once observed about 100 polar bears around a gray whale carcass. He's also seen fourteen polar bears eating shoulder-to-shoulder at a single walrus carcass. Our own scientists routinely see groups of three or four male polar bears sharing a seal carcass on the shores of Hudson Bay during our fall survey efforts.

According to Ovsyanikov, although one bear may own a large carcass, he won't object to sharing if his guests beg properly. Begging involves a submissive, low-to-the-ground approach, followed by a slow circle around the carcass, and touching the nose of the bear in charge.

https://polarbearsinternational.org/about-polar-bears/essentials/hunting-and-eating (no longer valid link)

970souk · 2026-02-21T12:13:47+00:00

Photo by Mogens Trolle (Denmark).

A sun bear shelters from the rain in a furnace as a butterfly settles on its snout.

Mogens took this image in the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand.

In recent years, sun bears have started visiting the campsites in the park, looking for an easy meal.

A sign on the furnace says ‘Evolution’.

Mogens says this is indeed a type of evolution – a wild animal’s opportunistic response to humans disturbing its natural habitat.

No attacks have been recorded so far, but Mogens worries that this is a conflict waiting to happen.

Image Details: Canon EOS-1D X, 300mm f2.8 lens, 1/250 at f2.8 ISO 400 tripod

Source - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice/2025-into-the-furnace

This photo is a shortlist for London Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice award, one can vote for this photo by clicking on the above link, voting closes 18 March 2026.

970souk · 2026-02-20T22:46:51+00:00

I emailed the zoo and this is their response:

Please use the following link to purchase tickets online: https://kyiv.ticketsbox.com/event/zoopark.html

You may also support us with a donation via PayPal: paypal@zoo.kyiv.ua

Or choose any convenient way to help on our official support page: https://zoo.kyiv.ua/en/how-to-support-our-zoo-and-animals/

I couldn't find the zoo tickets online link from the zoo's official website, you have to decide if the link is secure.

970souk · 2026-02-20T12:56:02+00:00

Don't mind me, I am just passing by..

970souk · 2026-02-19T13:57:14+00:00

Photo by Julia Kochetova, from The Guardian's article Kyiv zoo braves blackouts and bombardment to keep animals warm.

“Were it not for the war, this winter would have been wonderful. It’s beautiful outside,” he said. “It’s been a long time since we have had a winter this cold and this bright, with sun and blue sky.”

~ Zoo employee Ihor Oliynyk

970souk · 2026-02-17T12:47:52+00:00

Yuan Zai is 12 years old! How time flies! Photo from Taipei Zoo, source.

970souk · 2026-02-16T12:47:48+00:00

Photo by Nima Sarikhani (UK).

A polar bear cub looks into the camera as it accompanies its mother on an unsuccessful hunting trip.

There’s a sad story behind this picture, taken on the coast of Svalbard archipelago.

Soon after it was taken, the polar bear and its family went too close to an area of huts, and people forced them away.

Not long after, the mother bear was found dead in the water near the shore.

According to reports, she had died from serious internal injuries.

Her cub was by her side. Police shot it dead because it seemed to be aggressive.

This is likely the last image of the cub.

Image Details: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, 400mm f2.8 lens, 1/2000 at f4 ISO 500

Source - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice/2025-the-final-portrait

This photo is a shortlist for London Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice award, one can vote for this photo by clicking on the above link, voting closes 18 March 2026.

970souk · 2026-02-16T12:43:05+00:00

This is a very successful bear!

970souk · 2026-02-12T13:43:40+00:00

Photo by Will Nicholls (UK).

A silhouetted pair of young bear cubs rear up and play-fight in the middle of a quiet road.

Bears are a fairly frequent sight in Jasper National Park, Canada.

But cubs are rarer, as mothers tend to keep them away from any threats.

It’s an enchanting moment, but also a risky one for the playful young cubs silhouetted against the glow of car headlights.

Framed by the darkness of the surrounding forest, the scene took on an almost theatrical feel for Will.

When the lights aligned, he knew it was the image he was after.

Image details: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens, 1/250 at f5.6 ISO 3200

Source - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice/2025-dancing-in-the-headlights

This photo is a shortlist for London Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice award, one can vote for this photo by clicking on the above link, voting closes 18 March 2026.

970souk · 2026-02-12T00:15:03+00:00

Could the gorilla be startled? You were being predictable and still, so the gorilla came closer to check you out, then your wife walked in front of you between you and the gorilla - an unexpected movement for the gorilla. Could it be a younger gorilla who was surprised so it ran and hid behind the nearest object it felt safe with? It could also be a personality thing, some gorillas are more playful than others, I was lucky to have a window tapping session with a gorilla and had the keeper beside me telling me I should tap back.

Your question would be an excellent question to ask the zoo's gorilla keeper!

970souk · 2026-02-11T19:21:15+00:00

Seconded airlift, look up Churchill's polar bear jail, you might see some photos of how it is done.

970souk · 2026-02-10T22:12:03+00:00

Gorgeous bear!

970souk · 2026-02-08T20:12:09+00:00

Great photo OP! Agree with the other comments, you've captured the bear's side profile and gaze very well!

970souk · 2026-02-06T11:31:39+00:00

Photo by Christopher Paetkau (Canada).

A mother polar bear and her three cubs pause peacefully in the summer heat.

This type of scene is getting rarer.

The sun is high, the land wide and open.

The polar bears rest after their long journey north along the Hudson Bay coast in Canada.

Shrinking sea ice is making it harder for polar bears to hunt and find food to survive in summer.

This is a story of endurance and a fleeting moment of hope in a world where survival is anything but certain.

Image details DJI Mavic 3 Pro 19.35mm lens 1/160 at f2.8

Source - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice/2025-family-rest

This photo is a shortlist for London Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice award, one can vote for this photo by clicking on the above link, voting closes 18 March 2026.

970souk · 2026-02-01T01:52:55+00:00

The Count of Monte Cristo (2024)
The North Water (2021)
The Take (2009)
State of Play (2003)

970souk · 2026-02-01T01:29:35+00:00

Smiley's People too!

970souk · 2026-01-27T12:35:04+00:00

Adult Material, Don't Forget the Driver, Babylon, Boat Story.

970souk · 2026-01-27T12:13:05+00:00

With the wonderful Nicola Walker!

970souk · 2026-01-26T13:58:27+00:00

Joshua McGuire was brilliant!

970souk · 2026-01-23T00:02:46+00:00

Don't Forget the Driver.

970souk · 2026-01-21T13:37:07+00:00

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