Sitting in the shade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This summer has been different from the past few summers, but it appears that it will become the new norm. Right now my daughter is home from college, while my son is completing grad school in NY. He’s been home twice this summer. Both times for only a weekend at a time. So having the whole family under one roof has become a rarity. Of course while he was here, our son wanted to go to the parks (that’s central Florida speak for spending the day at Disney World).
For many, a trip to Disney means long lines for rides. To me it means, I’m going to draw, eat, and/or take photos. Today I chose the latter.
We’re at the end of July and are quickly approaching the hottest time of the year in Florida. Unless I’m traveling, I don’t go out on photo shoots until it begins to cool down. Even getting up at the crack of dawn, the heat very quickly become unbearable. Even most of the animals don’t like to be out once the sun rises. On early morning when I’m out MTBing or playing a round (or two) of disc golf I’ll see rabbits, tortoises, and snakes on the trails or courses. But I’m sure that they’d rather be indoors. Most of the time the critters are sitting motionless in the shade hoping for a nice breeze.
Regardless of the awful heat, my wife and I spent a few hours sitting in the shade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as I was taking pictures of the animals while others bask in the heat standing in long lines. We only spent a few hours at the park. Solely because I wanted to have some Chicago style pizza from Giordano’s for lunch.
If you would like to purchase one of the photos below, order a print from my Art & Print Shop.
July 25, 2026 Flamingo Closeup
July 25, 2026 Flamingo Posing
July 25, 2026 Flamingo Scratching 1
July 25, 2026 Flamingo Scratching 2
July 25, 2026 Flamingo Look Back
July 25, 2026 Otters Fighting
July 25, 2026 Gorilla on the Go
July 25, 2026 Gorilla Eating Lettuce
July 25, 2026 Siamang Checking the Sky
July 25, 2026 Siamang Pouting
While most of my photographs are taken in the wild, there are times that I like to capture the funny faces of the more pampered animals. Their food is abundant, medical care if guaranteed, and they are all well loved by professional staff. As much as I believe that animals should be free, I also appreciate the care that many animals receive in captivity. I wish that were the case with all facilities. That’s why I only support AZA affiliated zoos and reputable sanctuaries.
