Shy

[Zenon Char]

I should have titled this Camera Shy. This is Debby who until last year was the worlds oldest polar. Brought here as an orphaned cub from the Russian arctic, she passed away at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada, surviving 41 years in captivity. She raised 6 cubs. She lived in a fairly spacious environment with a large pool. She was a Winnipeg icon and they estimated 18 million people had seen her. Missed by all here.

I captured this in 2006 with a Canon 30D and Canon 300L F4 IS. She was actually batting flies from her nose and when her paw did the sweep I took a shot. I got about 30, but this one was the best.

[Fabs Forns]

Lovely pose, she does loks shy. I like the soft light and detail in the paws.

[Gus Cobos]

Well composed and executed Zenon...I like it as presented...the fine details and the color rendition is superb...good show...:cool:

[denise ippolito]

I'm sure Debby will be missed by many. This is an adorable image and I'm sure you'll treasure it.

[Zenon Char]

Thanks everyone. Yea I have not seen too many colorful Polar Bears and their environment is pretty drab too lol. I never noticed the crack. Thanks

[Zenon Char]

Forgot to mention. I was not all that sure about posting zoo captures at this site. Some people are not too comfortable with them. Not my favorite place either. It's hard watch the big cats for very long. A good place to hone skills though so I occasionally head out. I don't think the groundhogs and fish don't mind too much.

[Alfred Forns]

Love that pose Zenon !!! I have nothing against the zoo, find most challenging places to make good images.

[Zenon Char]

Thanks very much for comment and the update about zoos. Tough shooting through the fence at times.

[John Ippolito]

This is a very touching image. I love the pose, exposure and detail you have captured. I can "feel" the fur!