Finishing out 2016 and moving on!

To any of you who have so kindly checked in here from time to time, thank you!  And now, it's time for me to come back!  So, a few posts to finish out 2016 and move on...

I make an annual trip with students to the LA Zoo for some animal sketching.  I like to go in advance to get in some practice and map my route, so here's a batch from the last trip...

These trips start with what the Zoo calls "Elephant
Training"...essentially the grooming and feeding of
retired circus elephants, and an opportunity to get
close to these three beautiful Asian elephants--Tina, Jewel and Billy.  Controversy continues about whether or not the 6.56 acre habitat is adequate for all three.
















And a few meerkats...















Next, the orangutans in the Red Ape Rain Forest...

And gorillas, who have no interest in us whatsoever...

Chimpanzee families, monkeys, Francois Langurs, a macaw and a bit of the bird show...

And, I cannot visit the LA Zoo without drawing those most beautiful and elegant giraffes!

And finally, the lovely Nubian Ibex family...