WELCOME TO SEEKINGWINEMANATEE-VILLE&PIGMENTSVOLUNTEERS PENGUIN HABITATGREATERRENOVATIONKUDUCALF 2022FALL&SUMMER
SMART FAMILY FUN
Interactive fun creates a curiosity for learning. As Nature Agents, you can discover, learn and bond together on a scavenger hunt!
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6 Wine & Pigments
14 What's New: Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions
24 Welcome to Manatee-ville
Kelly Rouillard, Director of Marketing & Sales Rick Holzworth, Director of Support Services
32 Snapshot Society: Working with Obstructions
36
Lucia Lindsey, VC Capital Campaign
30 Social Spotlight
David Hagan, Chief Zoological Officer
Anne Marie Cushmac, VC Governance
*City of Jacksonville Appointed
18 Animal Highlights: Greater Kudu Calf
Chuck Ged, Chair
GENERAL BOARD
35 Seeking Group Volunteers for Night Events ZooLights
Jonathan Coles
HONORARY BOARD Ivan JanetCliffordHerbertElizabethLenoreDanoClareDavisMcCullaghPetwayPeytonSchultzFrankSurfaceVaksdalWeaver
Missy Peters, Secretary George Mikes, VC Finance & Treasurer
Bill Rowe, Past Chair
Kerri Stewart, VC Special Projects & Properties
8 Garden Highlight: Closeup Photos Reveal Vibrant Colors and Hidden Details
20 Gardener's Corner: Florida Fall Color
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 1
28 Animal Highlights: Southern White Rhinoceros
John Hayt, Honorary Advisor
Paula Shields, Chief People and Culture Officer
12 Planting Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies
Leanne White, Director of Education
2 Spooktacular
Holly Ellis, Chief Financial Officer
Karen Estella Smith, VC Garden & Art
22 Penguin Habitat Renovation
Paul AsherScottBlackstoneChamberlayneChanan-KhanKellyCoker-Daniel
Leeann M Krieg* Rene
Table Of Contents
HONORARY PAST CHAIRS COUNCIL Martha Baker
Nikki Smith, Chief Development Officer
Jeff Ettling, PH.D., President and CEO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Janna McNicholas, VC Animal Care, Conservation and Wellness
GENERAL BOARD (con't)
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
J.F. ThomasJohnJ.JosephJedCharlesHowardBryanCokerCommanderDavisMattFairbairnHixonMichaelHughesLewisLeeDavidLoebRichardMartinFrankMillerA.MitchellSchmidtCarl"Hap"StewartJamesStocktonPennyThompsonCourtneyWilson
LeAnna Cumber* Lenny Curry* Anne Marie Cushmac Kenyonn Demps Charles (Chuck) Ged John MargaretHayt Hicks
4 Who's Who at the Zoo
17 Jax Zoo Tube
34 2022 Annual Board Meeting
Teresa Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer
JoelJu'CobyJohnJannaJohnLuciaBarneyKurziusLaneLindseyCMcIlvaineMcNicholasGeorgeMikesCyrusMoshireeNaugleMissyPetersPittman*ClintPyleWilliamRoweParamSahniPaulSandlerKarenEstellaSmithKerriStewartSwansonSalmaanWahidiDarrylWillieScottWitt
John McIlvaine, VC Marketing & Development Kelly Coker-Daniel, VC Education
Sustainable Palm Oil Palm oil is an ingredient in many candies and foods. Click here for more information on the impact palm oil has on wildlife and our environment. As an additional conservation effort, we feature environmentally-friendly candy options whenever possible. Buy Member Tickets October 14 – 16 · 20 – 23 · 5:30 – 9:3027–31p.m.
ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN DURING LAST YEAR'S EVENT. PHOTO TOP RIGHT: JOHN REED
THE ZOO 4 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Will Taylor ITWHO'SAdministratorWHOAT
What is your favorite exhibit?
As a teenager, my family spent a lot of time in and on the St. John’s River. Over the years, we participated in many conservation and cleanup efforts focused on the river which has further developed my interest in conservation.
Red pandas—our whole family hopes that we will one day feature them here.
What were your previous jobs/career paths and how did they lead you here?
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 5
Are you native to Florida? If so, where? If not, where did you grow up?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Over the years we have had a running joke that everyone in my department has seen our elephants in the pool at their exhibit except for me.
“…we have worked diligently over the last 10 years to evolve our technology so that we can support a greater range of opportunities for our Members, guests and Zoo teams.”
What is your favorite animal?
The start of my day always involves checking in with the team and making sure our critical systems are operational and ready for opening. We provide support for a broad and diverse technology base, so we are always looking for ways to improve our own abilities as well as keeping apprised of the latest in technology advancements. In an industry that changes by the second, there are always new and improved ways that we can pivot and provide a better Member, guest and staff experience.
My family has a great memory with one of our penguins, CJ, during a behind-the-scenes penguin feeding tour. We were in the back area and CJ was very interested in my mom’s sandals as he followed her around. When he lost interest, we had a very cute interaction with my son who was wearing a baseball cap during the tour. CJ went over to investigate him which spooked my son causing him to run behind me. My son and CJ circled around me for a couple minutes trying to get to and away from each other. We all got a good laugh (including my son) and a great memory.
How long have you worked at the zoo?
Ten years.
Land of the Tiger
What does a day in your shoes look like?
When or how did you first develop an interest in animals/the zoo world/ education?
I was born in Montgomery, Alabama but spent the first seven years of my life in Birmingham, Alabama. We moved down to Jacksonville when I was seven and have been here ever since.
As a child, I received my first computer in the mid-to late-80s and ever since, I have had a passion for technology. Around the early 2000s, I started my professional career as a graphic and web designer. During this time, I started performing repairs to the company’s desktops and servers in addition to my normal duties. I eventually transitioned to this as a full-time job which earmarked my professional shift to the world of Information Technology. Over the next 19 years, I continued to increase my knowledge set, took every opportunity to learn and develop my ability to support various technologies, and eventually brought that skillset to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Since then, we have worked diligently over the last 10 years to evolve our technology so that we can support a greater range of opportunities for our Members, guests and Zoo teams.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
What is your favorite part of your career or what is your most memorable experience at the Zoo?
I spend most of my free time with friends and family. Whether it is playing video games with my son, softball practice/games with my daughter or just spending time together, we are always on the lookout for new experiences and things to do.
September 26 · 6–9 p.m. Land of the Tiger 6 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Buy Member Tickets
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 7
This new painting experience, led by a Painting with a Twist instructor, will help you create works of art. From demonstrating techniques to next steps of your creative journey, you’ll explore artistic processes and styles. Start unwinding with a glass of wine and unique culinary light bites before the teaching at our award-winning exhibit, Land of the Tiger, from 6 pm to 7 pm. Paint your way through this experience with an instructor-led session at Tiger Viewing from 7 pm to 9 pm, accompanied by Malayan and Sumatran tigers in full view. This unique, one-of-a-kind event is open to Members and non-Members 21 and up. Limited seating available, and tickets go fast!
Duck Potato
GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS
This flower was photographed in Asian Bamboo Gardens. Duck Potato can be found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas.*
Close-up photos reveal vibrant colors and hidden details
* UF IFAS askifafas
American Beautyberry
This photo was taken close to the entrance of Play Park. Please do not eat any berries or plants in the Zoo. Purchase edible plants through regular restaurants, stores and channels. American Beautyberries are also mentioned on page 20 in the Gardener's Corner article.
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 9
Blue Daze
10 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
This flower was photographed near the fountain at the Gardens at Trout River Plaza.
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ThisFirebushplant is located on Main Path near the entrance to the Africa Loop. It blooms for several months and can attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
In March, we sowed more than 20,000 seeds of the native swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, and in May planted 12,000 individual plants around the border of a retention pond in the parking lot. This milkweed is currently
By Houston Snead, Plant Conservation Officer
CONSERVATION
thriving and has bloomed beautiful pink flowers. We have already seen many pollinators including wasps, solitary bees, and of course, butterflies like the monarch. In the future, the seed from this milkweed will be collected and grown to increase the number of plants available to monarchs in the JacksonvilleGrowingarea.native milkweed can be a challenge. Make sure you select the right species for the right spot in your yard when planting a butterfly garden. Another important tip for growing native milkweed is to put your seeds in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 days before you sow them in the spring, and plant them as seedlings being careful with the roots. Ideally, you should plant them before their roots start to circle in the container. If at first you don’t succeed, try a different spot or a different species until you find what works for your situation. By planting and maintaining native milkweed you can play an important role in the conservation of one of the world’s most iconic species!
Monarch butterflies are endangered due to habitat loss across their range. Not just in their forested overwintering grounds in Mexico, but also where they migrate and reproduce here in North America including the Jacksonville area. One of the most important things we can do to combat monarch habitat loss in North America is to increase the presence of a type of plant commonly known as milkweed.Milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs and the only plant their caterpillars can eat. There are 21 species of milkweed native to Florida and it is important to make sure the plants you get are native. One species commonly known as tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, is widely available, but presents many conservation concerns for monarchs including a deadly parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, called OE.
Planting Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 13
Golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca)
14 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
WHAT'S NEW Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions
By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management, and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer
While named the golden mantella, these frogs can come in a variety of shades of yellow, orange and even red. As insectivores, golden mantellas mainly eat ants, termites and fruit flies. However, when golden mantella tadpoles first hatch, they are mainly herbivores feeding on algae and detritus. After hatching, it can take six to eight weeks to metamorphose into froglets. That is when their diet begins to include insects, such as springtails and small aphids.
Within the past decade, entomologist Brian Fisher discovered that mantellas can secrete toxic chemicals through their skin due to their diet of toxic ants. These ants and their toxins are also what give the mantella their bright coloration, which warns predators of their poisonous nature. Try to spot these guys in the African Herp House.
Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli)
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 15
Jamaican Boa (Chilabothrus subflavus)
Found only on the island of Madagascar, Coquerel’s sifakas are distinguishable from other primates due to their brick-red colored fur on their chest, arms and legs contrasting against the white on the rest of their bodies. Diurnal creatures, their diet consists mainly of leaves, tree bark, fruit, flowers, and on occasion, insects. The Coquerel’s sifaka is famously known for the way they move among the trees and along the ground. Remaining upright, they can propel themselves distances of up to 35 feet from tree to tree. On the ground, their walk is more of a fast, sideways skip on their hind legs. With arms spread out to maintain their balance, one would almost think they were dancing. The name “sifaka” (pronounced she-FAHK or Suh-faa-kuh) comes from the Malagasylanguage. They are named for the sound they make as they travel through trees. Maybe you’ll even see our little sifaka family in the African Forest exhibit.
Once widely distributed throughout Jamaica, the largest predator on the island is now restricted to isolated areas and is labeled as vulnerable according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The population of Jamaican boa has declined significantly due to habitat loss, human persecution, fragmentation and invasive species. The Jamaican boa is considered “an ecological generalist” since it eats a variety of prey depending on what’s available. Unfortunately, that
includes the invasive and toxic cane toad, which can be fatal when consumed. The food they eat depends on where they live, and the Jamaican boa can be found in different ecosystems such as swamplands, mangroves and cave systems. However, they do thrive best in forested areas where their natural coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings. Come and find the Jamaican boa at the Lost Temple in Range of the Jaguar.
October–December 2021 Births & Hatchings African pancake tortoise 0.0.1 Black-faced ibis 1.0 BLUE-EYED BLACK LEMUR 0.1 Boat-billed heron ................................................................ 0.2 COQUEREL’S SIFAKA ........................................................... 1.0 COTTON-TOP TAMARIN 1.0 Cownose ray 0.0.6 Eastern black-and-white colobus 0.2 Golden mantella .............................................................. 0.0.1 Hamerkop 1.0 MANDRILL 0.1 PUERTO RICAN CRESTED TOAD† 0.0.1043 Roseate Spoonbill 0.0.2 Southern toad ............................................................... 0.0.87 Striped newt ................................................................0.1.345 WALDRAPP IBIS 1.2 Yellow-billed stork 0.1.3 Acquisitions Anglo-Nubian goat ............................................................ 2.0 Argentine black-and-white tegu...................................... 2.0 Caatinga lancehead* 1.1 CENTRAL AMERICAN RIVER TURTLE 0.0.1 FLORIDA MANATEE † 3.2 Grevy’s zebra 0.1 Inca tern ............................................................................... 2.0 JAMAICAN BOA .................................................................. 0.1 Kinkajou 1.0 MALAYAN TIGER 1.0 NORTH SULAWESI BABIRUSA ........................................... 0.1 Philippine habu* ................................................................. 1.2 Red Tegu 0.1 Spur-winged lapwing 1.0 Western lowland gorilla 1.0 LEGEND: 0.1.2 • First digit male. Second digit female • Third digit sex unknown • Two digits only represent male and female • CAPS = Endangered Species • * (Asterisk) = First time at the Zoo • †(Dagger) = Released back into the wild 16 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Whatever Floats Your Goat
Health Exam on Rescued Manatee Inigo
To see additional videos please visit our YouTube Channel
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 17
Jacksonville Zoo Rehabs an Orphaned Manatee.
VIDEOS
Magellanic Penguins Chase Bubbles
Nature Agent Adventure How Jacksonville Zoo Animals Thrive
Jax Zoo Tube
PHOTOS: JOHN REED18 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
By Janel Jankowski, Senior Mammal Keeper
Range
Conservation Status
Diet
Location in the Zoo Africa Loop
ANIMAL HIGHLIGHTSANIMAL HIGHLIGHTS
Greater Kudu Calf
Leaves, shoots, fruits and flowers Habitat Mixed scrub woodland
In July, we welcomed a new male geater kudu calf! He is the third born to father Sam and mother Trixie and weighed around 45 pounds at birth. The calf spends time with his mother, Trixie, and older sister, Daffodil. He is particularly fond of his sister and is often seen lying next to her. He's been introduced to his habitat in the African Loop and is doing well, as he is at times quite confident and will already wander away from his family for short distances to explore. When introducing new animals, keepers assess each individual animals' demeanors and formulate a plan based on what will yield the most success. The kudu are given time to explore the habitat on their own to find their comfort zones and hiding spots before introducing the southern white rhinos and ostrich. Kudu typically give birth to one calf after a nine month gestation period.
East, central and south Africa
IUCN Redlist LC
Greater kudu are the second tallest antelope species originating in Africa and tend to lie in dense vegetation for the first few weeks of their life. Mothers will visit them throughout the day in-between foraging trips. To mimic these behaviors, keepers prepare the kudu area before parturition to provide cozy hiding areas for the calf, including hay bales positioned in several corners of the barn. Be sure to stop by Africa Loop to welcome the little one during your next visit!
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 19
Autumn is presented as the season of color when the leaves change and fall. However, northeastern Florida’s sub-tropical climate prevents the expected changes associated with the season. Florida gardens in autumn might surprise you with what they’re capable of. For Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, our autumn begins in September and runs through December. After summer provided us with colorful flowers and greenery, the gardens are getting ready to transition to their next large display. Many stages of a plant's life cycle are present during this season including leaf color changes, blooming and Ratherfruiting.than forests of changing colors, Florida has splashes of orange and red across green canopies. Many different shades of red are presented by Virginia Creeper ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia ), Bald Cypress ( Taxodium distichum), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), and Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). Yellows and browns are displayed by Sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis).
Muhly grass ( Muhlenbergia capillaris ) on lower left hand side
By Amber Yates, Horticulture Technician I and Jennifer Dambrose, Senior Horticulture Technician
GARDENER'S CORNER
Blooms are usually associated with spring but fall blooms bring multiple elements to any scenery. There are a few types of grasses that bloom and go to seed from late summer to mid-fall such as Muhly grass ( Muhlenbergia capillaris). Its bloom provides a pink to purple fluffy plume that brings texture and softness to any landscape.
Florida Fall Color
Florida autumn shows off every stage of life for plants, including fruit. Beautyberries (Callicarpa americana) spend the summer producing insignificant blooms to display full clusters of berries with colors ranging from magenta to white depending on the species. Lastly, the produce Florida is most well-known for, citrus, makes its debut. The trees grow clusters of yellow grapefruit and bright juicy oranges ready to pick.
While Florida’s fall may look a little different from the rest of the country, we are not missing out on a display of new colors. As the days get shorter, spend as much time as you can observing the unique autumn diversity.
Beautyberries ( Callicarpa americana )
20 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Florida splasheshasof orange and red across green canopies .
Renovations reveal a polished view into the habitat with waterscapes and rock landscapes resembling South American native environments. The new habitat will ensure penguins: can stay out overnight when there are no weather restrictions; have the ability to raise their young in a wellness-inspired environment and can swim around theWeisland.have removed the quarter-round glass tunnel because it was one of the places the water was leaking into the guest area. This quarter-round is being replaced with a flat window so guests will be able to see them swimming underwater better.
By Emily Bridges, Bird Keeper II and Mike Taylor Curator of Herps, Birds, and Others
22 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
We are excited that the Penguin habitat is getting a major renovation. The updates are for cosmetic purposes and the penguins’ wellbeing.
Opening day for the Tuxedo Coast Penguin Habitat is September 17, 2022. Additionally, Inca terns will be brought in to cohabitate with the penguins. So, we will have birds in the water, on land and in the air.
ANIMAL PROGRAMS Penguin Habitat Renovation
The penguins taking a daytime walk during habitat renovations. They get to explore areas near the goat yard and the animal hospital.
While the construction is happening, the penguins must stay behind-the-scenes. When they are in the back for an extended period, they get more playful and explorative. So, we do a lot of play time which includes blowing bubbles, playing with laser pointers and reflections or playing with toys on a string. They also get outside time a couple times a day where we take them outside to explore, including walks down to the goat yard or around the animal hospital.
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 23
24 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
DEVELOPMENT
Welcome casesCriticalfederally-permittedUMECenterrelatedLagoon,theasmanateeofgentlestressin1978,DesignatedthatByManatee-villetoMorganPurvis,CorporateGivingOfficerManyresidentsofFloridaandvisitorsalikeagreenothingismoreiconicinFloridathanthemanatee.astheofficialStateMarineMammalinmanateesarefoundthroughoutourwaterwaysbothfreshandsaltwaters.Asathreatenedspecies,manateesfacedeathsfromcoldandboatstrikes.Anewthreathasgrownforthesegiantsrecentlythough.Manateesfeedonavarietyaquaticvegetation,especiallyseagrass.Ahighlevelofdeathsstartingin2020wasenoughtobeclassifiedanUnusualMortalityEvent(UME).ResearchersdiscoveredcausetobeadepletionofseagrassintheIndianRiverawinterhabitatformanatees.Previouslytreatingprimarilyboatstrikeandcoldstressinjuriesinmanatees,ourManateeCriticalCareteamwasposedwiththenewchallengeoftreatingpatientswithinthelasttwoyears.Asoneofonlyfiveacutecarefacilitiesformanatees,ourCareCenterremainedatcapacitywhentheseUMEsurfaced. Now more than ever, more space is needed to treat rescued manatees and look after them until they can be released back into the wild. WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 25
This first phase including Manatee River is a bold five-year, $52 million campaign. However, we are honored to announce we are 75% toward that goal from private sources and a $5 million match per year thanks to the support of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council. Manatee River is also being supported first by a generous gift from J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, Honorary Chairs of the campaign.
JacksonvilleZoo.org/REZOOVENATION26 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Learn more about the project and how you can support it at Welcome to Manatee-ville on Saturday, October 1. This free festival for the community will include food trucks, live entertainment, games and more. Tickets are free, but an online reservation is required. Learn more at: JacksonvilleZoo.org/REZOOVENATION.
REZOOVENATION: The Campaign to Inspire. Through funding from public and private sources, we plan to drastically renovate our Zoo by expanding wellness-inspired habitats for animal care, growing conservation initiatives, offering improved educational spaces and guest services and introducing new species.
Manatee River will be the first impression habitat just after a brand-new arrival experience for all visitors to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This new entrance will be unlike any other zoo or aquarium, combining a look at our education and conservation efforts with premium hospitality inside a multifunctional space.
2023, we are excited to break ground on an expansion of our Manatee Critical Care Center to treat up to 17 individuals at a time. We not only will be adding additional holding pools for both adults and calves, but we will also build Manatee River—a spectacular habitat mirroring Florida’s natural waterways. Guests will be able to view other Florida animals and plants within Manatee River and learn how to protect these species in the wild.
This dream will be made possible by
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 27
Southern White Rhinoceros
Location in the Zoo Africa Loop Diet Grasses and herbs Habitat Savannas Range Eastern and southern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa Conservation Status IUCN Redlist NT PHOTOS: JOHN REED ANIMAL HIGHLIGHTSANIMAL HIGHLIGHTS 28 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHTKVOL30 30 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
#jaxzoomember
for a chance to see your pictures or videos in Wild Magazine.
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By John Reed, Photography Volunteer & Snapshot Society Instructor
While we often want to be able to photograph through intervening obstructions like fence and branches and not have them in the photo, sometimes it’s more interesting if they show up! Well, not fence, but yes, branches. These photos with the subject behind some branches or leaves, can appear more as if “in the wild” under the right conditions. See photos one to three.
12 PHOTOS: JOHN REED32 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
Give manual focus a try and see if you can bring home some “on safari” type images!
The second way is to do what is often called “predictive focusing.” In this case, you focus manually on an area where you anticipate the subject will go and just wait. When it comes into the frame, push the shutter button and take the photo. See photo eight. Don’t forget, you must have the lens switched to manual focus. It’s easy to forget because you can manually focus with the lens set to auto. However, in that case, as soon as you half press the shutter button, autofocus kicks in and all your hard work manually focusing is gone.
Once you are in manual focus mode, if your subject is sitting still, it’s very straightforward. You just turn the manual focus ring on the lens until the subject behind the branches is sharp. See photos four and five. If your subject is moving, there are two ways you can utilize manual focus. The first and most obvious is to practice so you can adjust focus manually as you follow your subject. This takes some time but it’s not a particularly difficult skill to master. It just takes practice. See photos six and seven.
One important thing to do before using manual focus is to adjust the sharpness of your viewfinder if you’re using the viewfinder to shoot, as opposed to using the screen on the camera back. It is usually done using a small knob just to the side of your viewfinder. It’s called “adjusting the diopter” so just look that up in your manual. If you don’t adjust this setting to your eye characteristics, when you focus based on what you see, you may think something is sharp and it really isn’t.
SNAPSHOT SOCIETY
Working with Obstructions
The camera autofocus function, normally a wonderful thing, gets in the way here. It is designed to focus on whatever is closest to us, so if we wanted a photo of a lion behind some branches, we’d almost always get a very sharp photo of branches with a blurry lion behind them.
To get around this, use manual focus. To my knowledge, all cameras can do this. Actually, turning autofocus off and on is done with the lens and not the camera except in a few models. For most lenses, it’s simply a switch on the side of the lens that turns autofocus on and off.
3 4 5 6 7 8 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 33
Samburu Room Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
34 WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
The Jacksonville Zoological Society cordially invites you to the 2022 Annual Meeting
RSVP by October ofdevelopment@jacksonvillezoo.org10th:Includeyournameandnumberguestsattending.
October 19, 5 6 p.m.
All members are invited to attend the annual meeting to meet the Zoo’s new President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Ettling, hear about the year in review, and hear about the zoo’s exciting future.
VOLUNTEERS
Seeking Group Volunteers for Night Events
Spooktacular group volunteers help pass out candy and welcome all of our guests.
Volunteer@jacksonvillezoo.org176
WILD MAGAZINE • FALL & WINTER 2022 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS 35
Contact us (904) 757-4463 ext
Are you a part of a school, corporation or organization who loves to help their community? Come on out to the Zoo and Gardens during several nights in October and December to help us with our biggest events of the year.
ZooLights group volunteers help to spread holiday cheer with crafts, s'mores and more.
