Taking photos at the Zoo can be relaxing while providing some challenges. Here are a few tips to consider. 
Know the Zoo Rules: Before you arrive, find out the rules. For instance, you cannot use any KC Zoo photos for commercial purposes.
While there, don’t block paths or expect people to stop because you want to take a photo.
Identify a Point of Interest: What about the animal interests you?
Be sure to approach your shot to take advantage of your point of interest.
Radi is one of my favorite subjects. What interests me about him is his attitude.
Manage Distracting Elements: A good first option is to shoot 
from angles that have natural looking elements around the animal.
If you can’t avoid the distracting elements, try using wide apertures, a telephoto lens, and a tight focus on the animal. This will tend to defocus bars or other barriers between you and the animal
A third option is to use the distracting element as part of your composition. I like the way the barriers in this shot convey a sense of passage.
Focus on the Eyes: When you get the eyes in focus in a prominent
place in your photo, it creates a better connection between your subject and the viewer. I had a difficult time looking away from the tiger’s eyes.
Watch for Antics: Animals sometimes do funny things. Be on the lookout for those. 
For some reason the koala reminded me of a rock star intently focused on his performance.
If you haven’t been to the Zoo recently, consider adding it to your list.
P.S. You get bonus points if you can name the song that this post title used for a play on words.
For some reason, there are many strange growths on the trees in this little forest. At first glance, I thought these were mushrooms. Upon looking again, I think they are a type of tree growth.
When I captured this image, I wasn’t sure what type of bird it was, I described it to my mom. She was certain is was a bluebird. Apparently, they were quite common where she lived as a child. Mom was correct. With a quick internet search, I confirmed that this is a bluebird. More research revealed that several states have designated the bluebird as their state bird.
Somehow, this tree deformity reminded me of walking in a magic forest.
