I went to the Denver Zoo yesterday afternoon to take a few photographs, but didn't have much hope for any good shots, since it was sunny and 97 degrees, and in those conditions, most of the animals either hide in the shade, stay inside, or just sleep the day away. One exception was the rhino in the photograph on the left, who was sitting underneath a shelter in the middle of its compound. And as you can see, he or she was more than happy to pose for a portrait.
The large male orangutan in the photograph on the right decided to stay indoors with the rest of its clan, and lay down against the door to the cage, no doubt daydreaming about dinnertime. There is a lot of hay and other such matter on the floor, and much of it seems to attach itself to the animals. Perhaps they should have an intern go into the compound, soap them up, and hose them all off. Considering the heat, I am sure they would all appreciate it.
The hippo in the photograph on the left spent most of the time I was there underwater, only occasionally coming to the surface to take a breath. In previous visits, I have photographed it playing with what looks like a giant beach ball, but this time, staying cool took priority. The water looked pretty dirty, by the way. Perhaps when the intern gets done hosing down the orangutans, he or she can take care of that pool, too.
On the other hand, it looks like the gorilla in the photograph on the right has just plain given up. Which is pretty strange, since gorillas are native to the tropical rain forests of Africa, where it is not only hot, but unlike here in Denver, very humid, too. I think the Denver Zoo really spoils these animals, what with air conditioning, cable television, and occasional massages, also administered by interns. In any case, if readers out there are interested, the Denver Zoo is always looking for new interns. For some reason, turnover is very high.
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