Hello, this is Mac So, the zoo photographer.
When we hear about zoos, many people often have a negative perception, feeling that they deprive animals of their natural wild habitats and confine them within human-made structures for entertainment. I myself share some of these sentiments. Zoos, after all, are products of human desires and ego.
However, it's also a fact that the role and mission of modern zoos extend beyond merely satisfying human desires. Zoos also serve various purposes such as the protection of animals, ecological observation, research, environmental conservation awareness, and education.
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Wow!
I still can't help feeling that capturing polar bears at the zoo is much easier than capturing them in their natural surroundings, they can hardly run away and the concrete underpaw is much less slippery than ice would be. Then again, surely they're already captured, if they're in a zoo?
Now, I currently reside in Sapporo, Hokkaido. So, this time, I’d like to introduce some of my work as a zoo photographer, incorporating scenes from Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, one of my activity bases, along with photographs taken on-site.
To Hold A Bone In Its Mouth
The catalyst for me to delve into zoo photography, particularly focusing on animal portraits, was Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, especially the polar bears. Hence, I’ll primarily introduce the polar bears of Maruyama Zoo.
Parent-Child Meeting (Lala & Lila)
"Let's all *really* hope that the designers got their sums right for the loading on that acrylic!
Since its renovation in March 2018, the polar bear facilities at Maruyama Zoo have attracted crowds of visitors daily. It’s always packed. Many people come to see the polar bears swimming in the pool, and I’ve visited countless times, looking forward to it as well.
Hi
People think "Oooh, look, a bear" Bear thinks "Oooh look, breakfast!" (If it's brown, lie down; if it's black, fight back; if it's white, good night ...)
Swimming Underwater
However, due to the large crowds, capturing good shots wasn’t easy, and it also depended on whether the polar bears felt like swimming or not.
In such circumstances, moments where I could capture the shots I desired were rare but blissful.
White & Red In Blue
Everyone, Look Up!
This gives the crowd a chance to see what half a ton of polar bear looks like, from underneath - and survive!
Thank you, Lala & Lila (the nicknames for the polar bears). I encourage you to gather more information about Hokkaido, the city of Sapporo, and Maruyama Zoo from their website and Instagram.
Underwater Diving
He's very flexible! And, is there any sort of diving that *isn't* underwater? Apart from in soccer, ofc ...
Looking Up
It's not polite to stare At an unclothed bear; They don't have trunks To hide their junk(s).
Hello From Above!
I appreciate your photography skills, capturing the unique motion of the huge and beautiful polar bears. I also thank you for promoting Hokkaido as a travel destination. I totally recommend it any time of the year! The only thing that makes me sad are the zoos. I strongly dislike such establishments, where animals are captured and kept in cages for our enjoyment, even if it is the only chance to see rare and beautiful species. I can see how miserable and depressed they are and can’t enjoy the experience. There are many amazing places in Hokkaido. Maybe the zoo isn’t the best one.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. I understand your feelings, and I appreciate that.
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The polar bears are cool - but - you're on Hokkaido, and you have big native bears there; nearly as big as a Kodiak grizzly. Now causing trouble. Does your zoo have a display of your Ezo Brown Bears to match the polars?
Thank you for your comment. Of course, we also have a display of Ezo Brown Bears to match the polar bears.
Load More Replies... I appreciate your photography skills, capturing the unique motion of the huge and beautiful polar bears. I also thank you for promoting Hokkaido as a travel destination. I totally recommend it any time of the year! The only thing that makes me sad are the zoos. I strongly dislike such establishments, where animals are captured and kept in cages for our enjoyment, even if it is the only chance to see rare and beautiful species. I can see how miserable and depressed they are and can’t enjoy the experience. There are many amazing places in Hokkaido. Maybe the zoo isn’t the best one.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. I understand your feelings, and I appreciate that.
Load More Replies... The polar bears are cool - but - you're on Hokkaido, and you have big native bears there; nearly as big as a Kodiak grizzly. Now causing trouble. Does your zoo have a display of your Ezo Brown Bears to match the polars?
Thank you for your comment. Of course, we also have a display of Ezo Brown Bears to match the polar bears.
Load More Replies...