Also known as "Stevie Wonder", a photo from Ontario, Centre

Photographer's Note

This is a Polar Bear taken at the Metro Toronto Zoo. I had been watching this fellow for a while as he walked back and forth to this wall. Everytime he got to this point, he would extend his neck, and sway it back and forth (Just like Stevie Wonder!).

Interesting Facts:

A polar bear's nose, lips and all skin under their fur is black. This helps them keep much warmer in the cold.

Their front paws are very wide for paddling through arctic waters, they use their hind feet as rudders. The soles of their feet are covered with vacuoles that actually act as suction cups while walking (and running) on the ice.

Their heavy fur, dense underfur, and thick layer of insulating fat allows them to maintain a normal body temperature when the outside temperature drops to -37 degrees C.

**Post Pro - Auto Contrast, unsharp mask, cropping, and added border.

***just to let everybody know about this zoo...the animals are treated really well. As for the polar bear exibit, they have a lot of room; a huge water feature for them to cool down in and play, masive boulders, and more.

hispic, Tobias__Ortmann trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

snuggleaphagus (4146) 2004-01-17 0:41

This is a great photo, all the whites and grays have so much texture, and there's no overexposure. You caught this bear at a great moment and the shadow is perfect. Your photo brings me sadness though.

cxxl (2684) 2004-01-17 5:33

Very well captured Pamela... good timing. I wouldn't have guessed he'd have such a flexible neck. Very good.

joso (2417) 2004-01-17 8:03

What will S.W. do having been put in a prison like this?
Bad conditions for a polar bear there, in Toronto Zoo...
Very good informative note.
May I propose the title: "How freedom smells?"

nwoehnl (122) 2004-01-17 10:15

Your post-pro on this one is outstanding, Pamela. Excellent result, it emphasizes the somewhat odd sight of this beautiful animal surrounded by concrete structures. You took this at just the right moment, and the shadow he's casting is also interesting. Well-written note, and cute title.

[2]

allotfy (1525) 2004-01-17 15:03

Very nice shot . i like the bear and it's shadows .. and there is beautiful White and gray tones in this shot.. ( i like Stevie Wonder so much too)

ilouy (3370) 2004-01-18 4:57

very strange pose! It makes a very interresting picture. I like the gray tone on which we can see just some brownish colors on the bear. Great shot.

Jeppe (18654) 2004-01-18 11:34

Oh this one funny - never seen a bear "performance" like this - Your where surely on the right spot at the right time - Thanks for sharing.
May be you should put it in the humor categori too (can be done by holding the Ctrl key while selecting)

Eagle78 (1933) 2004-01-19 15:55