What zoo has the friendliest staff?

C

chris

Member
Hi all,
the subject for this thread isnt exact, but the closest I could think off :)

Ive been trying for a long time, to speak to people at the zoos, before I arrive, hoping to be able to get closer to the zoos to take some photos. I have offered to give on CD and print out all the photos and give them as a gift to the zoo, or zoo keepers.

Unfortunately, I dont seem to be get anywhere very fast :(.

all I get is the usual response of "We have lots of photographers wanting to give us photos. Our enclosures are good enough for you to take photos through."

Anyone know how to help me out with this one?

Or should I just keep trying and trying?

If I had the money to buy the "zoo keeper for a day" options, I would.

Hope you can help
 
Hmm, in many occasions I would suspect its not a case of not being friendly. More of a case of the risks of allowing visitors in non-visitor areas and also any stress it might cause to the animals. Also, many places may not have the staff available to escort you, as they're likely on a busy schedule elsewhere.

Another point is if the zoo starts letting visitors in non-visitor areas, it would make the actual areas you're meant to be useless as well as potentially starting a craze, with many people wanting to go beyond the boundaries.

I think this is why keeper for a day programmes were set up, for things like this. Maybe if you were in a position to do work experience it would be a better way of doing this.

But all in all, I would agree that most exhibits these days, while primarily about animal welfare, do have the visitor and photographer in mind and are perfectly suitable for taking fantastic pictures. I've personally had a lot of success and left a zoo with lots of pictures I'm happy with.

Plus... it sort of spoils a challenge a bit. :)
 
Well I was at Banham Zoo yesterday (funnily enough) and my mate, who I was with, found out he knew the guy who does the flying displays from when they were at Whipsnade to gether. He let us in with the vultures whilst they were feeding! Even though I start volunteering at Banham on Friday and will be able to do it more-or-less whenever I want, it was still pretty cool!
 
I think photographing requires some patience and whenever you go with a camera your bound to take photos your pleased with but also there will be some less good ones.

But you should be satisfied with the photos of which you take I am usually.
 
CiaranDUK said:
Well I was at Banham Zoo yesterday (funnily enough) and my mate, who I was with, found out he knew the guy who does the flying displays from when they were at Whipsnade to gether. He let us in with the vultures whilst they were feeding! Even though I start volunteering at Banham on Friday and will be able to do it more-or-less whenever I want, it was still pretty cool!
Click to expand...

You're a zoo insider now, Ciaran, you don't have to post everything on the internets ;)
 
Hmm, just pulling your leg!

All I mean is, as a zoo volunteer you'll be taken seriously (if the staff are good) and it will all be meat & drink to you soon.
 
I think Singapore zoo when I went there had really friendly staff, they were just so nice and cheerful.
 
I love it when the Keepers have time to chat I was chatting to one of the Education at Africa Alive about bongos, lemurs and fossas for about 20 minutes! Lol
 
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