A stamp shaped like a banana was once issued in the country of Tonga. I read it on a Snapple bottle cap, so it must be true.
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A stamp shaped like a banana was once issued in the country of Tonga. I read it on a Snapple bottle cap, so it must be true.
lightscatter 
Wow . . . I had a very similar image from Brookfield Zoo (Chicago) from the 80s. I’m not sure it’s still around, but both the bear and the enclosure look similar . . . except I think the bear I photographed was wet (it had just gotten out of the pool).
. . . I miss having a decent zoo nearby . . .
Getting the bear to look into the lens took me a while. It was a cold day so the bear didn’t need to cool off in the water. A slightly overcast day helps, too. Thanks, E.
He looks so friendly, even avuncular. (But don’t ask me why he seems like someone’s uncle.) My feelings don’t jibe with what the World Wildlife Fund says: “As powerful predators, polar bears pose a major risk to human life and property. Throughout the polar bear’s range, attacks on humans and property continue to rise. In recent years, more than 20 direct attacks on humans have been reported within the polar bear’s range.” Gotta wonder if they’re angry at what we have done to their ice.
I think the bears resent their land being taken over by humans. I sometimes wonder, when I read about these attacks if the bear is just doing what bears do (protecting themselves) and there is nothing wrong with that.
I’m guessing they’re just hungry. Humans are meat, after all.
I don’t imagine there’s any malice involved. . . because bears are not human.
Looks mournful but at the same time somewhat restless and agitated. Bipolar bear?
Could be! I’ll have to check with an animal behavior psychologist.
Great shot. Has a very three-dimensional feel to it!
Thanks, Howard. The original scene was in three dimensions but I flattened it out a bit.
I guess that is necessary 😉
I’m struck by how well-fed this bear looks and the condition of the coat. It may not be the most exciting life but it obviously is an easy one.
I think bears are pretty smart and some take to confinement well. I believe this one is the second generation at the zoo so probably this is all the life she knows. Thanks for stopping by, Lynn.
Well, she seems like quite a character. 🙂
Nice Photo, Ken! Polar Bears are such beautiful creatures. I hate and am saddened that their natural environment is disappearing. This one looks relatively happy, but I guess as a second generation, it knows no different.
I have some reservations about keeping animals in captivity but I can see the necessity. I know that at this particular zoo, all the animals are treated with love and respect. Thanks for stopping by, Earl. I’m enjoying your recent posts from your travels.
That’s one beautiful polar bear. It’s hard to imagine one being happy confined but for some it is either the only life they have known or for some reason they are not capable of making it in the wild. I’d like to think that as times have changed most animals in captivity are there for their own good and not just for human entertainment.
I agree, Steve. I think zoos are a necessity for the preservation of the species (at least in many cases). Polar bears are no exception. They are well cared for and I think they realize their dependency on the zookeepers.