Just because you’re outclassed, doesn’t mean it’s not worth standing your ground.

Years ago, shortly after I started getting serious about this photography thing, I happened by the zoo when there weather was stormy. I was lucky enough to get a photo of a red panda glowering out from between the leaves of his tree, water droplets sticking to his fur, pissed off because his mate wouldn’t let him inside.

This summer, I was there when there were three thunderstorm warnings. I spent hours watching the radar and moving back to the red panda enclosure in the hopes to getting a similar shot with my newer camera and lens. The first two storms missed us, but right before it got dark, the third storm came by. It had weakened considerably, but I was hoping that there would be enough moisture in the air to start sticking to the red panda fur (more like hair, really).

Nope.

It stuck to the leaves instead, so the red panda had a drink.

Art thou ashamed to kiss? then wink again,
And I will wink; so shall the day seem night

This cow isn’t sure that surfing social media is the best use of your time right now.

Sure he looks calm right now, but you know Spaceman Spiff is just a panel or two away from crash-landing on Mars.

When you were looking forward to your plans, but your kid needed an emergency cuddle.

Few people know that camels can be folded for easier storage.

Bunny being doubtful of the whole egg thing.

This tenrec over-corrected and is now early for Christmas

This tenrec is bummed to learn that he missed Halloween.

This wolf just realized that the data he has for “anecdotes aren’t data” is anecdotal.

This camel is shocked to learn that he has been lied to by numerous people from an industry that rewards people with power, money, and fame, based solely on their ability to lie convincingly to their audience.

Shocked.

Some zoos receive gifts of roadkill from their state’s DOT. This allows them to feed their animals at a lower cost while also giving the animals a wider variety of meat and stimulation. I was fortunate enough to see a wolf pack devour a deer this summer.

However, I know that many of you don’t want to be seeing that, so here is a photo of a wolf that needed a drink after eating a bit of deer.

If you want to see the whole set, follow the photo link through to Flickr.

It is traditional to bow or curtsy when you enter the presence of the king. However, porcupines are open minded and do not associate the gesture with any particular gender, so choose as you will.