We thought it was time to check out the pink-back pelican chicks. Would they be paddling about? Nope.

It was also a great excuse to go with Rick as he inaugurated his brand new Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Seems he had only taken 4 shots when he arrived at the zoo. Barbara said he has been pouring over his manual and watching videos in preparation for the big day. I am impressed that he is so confident he can admit to reading the manual. After looking at the back of his camera at the myriad of camera settings . . . I would read the manual too! Maybe several times.

The pelican's island is looking a bit crowded and that may be one reason there are fewer adults on it as well. All three orangutans were out and quite active (unusual). The female is Bess and she is 34 years old. The male is Michael and he is 27. Their offspring is Kasih and she will be 8 in February. Kasih was in pure adolescent mode and really teasing Michael. Michael was slowly trying to engage Bess. It was all great fun and only two of my photos were worth keeping. Both Rick and Barbara did much better.

Enjoy the photos and Happy Thanksgiving.

ISO 640, f/10, 1/1600 at 150mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

ISO 640, f/2.8, 1/100 at 200mm with Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

ISO 640, f/2.8, 1/125 at 200mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

ISO 800, f/4, 1/60 at 55mm with Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens.

ISO 800, f/5, 1/160 at 123mm with Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens.

Barbara said she wanted to include this one because of the eye contact between Kasih and Michael. We share 97% of our DNA with orangutans. This look between daughter and father says a lot.

ISO 800, f/5, 1/60 at 123mm with Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens.

Sometimes it is fun to think of captions. This one is, "What are you looking at?" "I don't know what are YOU looking at?" "I am looking at what she is looking at!"

ISO 640, f/6.3, 1/800 at 185mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

ISO 640, f/5.6, 1/180 at 200mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

Rick and Barbara tired of the pelicans and took off to see the cats. I was stuck in video mode for a pelican feeding time. I should have joined them to look at cats as the feeding was not nearly as exciting as when the pelican chicks were younger. They no longer vigorously beg for food. They are adolescents now and simply take the fish for granted.

ISO 640, f/5.6, 1/640 at 200mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

Have you ever seen a lion hug a tree? Well, if not, here you go.

ISO 800, f/7.1, 1/400 at 250mm Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens.

ISO 640, f/5, 1/500 at 200mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

ISO 640, f/6.3, 1/1000 at 200mm on Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM.

Now, if you have a new camera AND have been reading your manual you are entitled to show off. Here is an example of 3D tracking on the EOS 5D Mark III. Just excellent. These were taken at the zip-line feature at the zoo. Rapid! Sharp On!