It was a hot day when we were at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida on January 12th, so we spent a good part of the day riding on the Serengeti Railway, which took us through a section of the park where we could see many different kinds of African animals in natural habitats.
Serengeti Train
According to what I found on the internet, this prickly tree appears to be a Silk Floss Tree. Such a gentle-sounding name for such a formidable-looking tree.
This isn't a great shot, but I liked the way these Impalas were sort of silhouetted against the sky.
Two more female Impalas
It is said that, when startled, Impalas can jump distances of more than 33 feet (10 m) and 9 feet (3 m) into the air.
White Rhinoceros
Giraffes
Giraffe peeking through bushes (photo obtained from video)
As usual, Doug was shooting video while I was snapping still shots. I hadn't even seen the giraffe pictured above, but Doug had gotten video of it. When we watched the video later, I thought it was so cute that I took a snapshot off the video to show y'all.
The white rhinoceros photo also came from the video. From where I sat on the train, I couldn't get a clear shot of the animal. But Doug caught it clearly on video. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to give credit where credit is due for those two images.
i do like that 'peek' of the giraffe. and i'd hate to run into that tree! :)
ReplyDeleteSo this was sort of like going on a safari. Very cool. I may have to plan a vacation there! That tree is scary--wonder how they came up with the name? Love the giraffe peeking over the brush. Ha! So many cool shots of the animals!
ReplyDeleteThat train ride looks like the way to .Your pictures are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. When I'm startled I can't jump nearly as high as an impala.
ReplyDeleteTheresa - I love that peeking giraffe, too. And I agree...I'd sure hate to stumble into that tree in the dark.
ReplyDeleteGail - It IS a little like I imagine a safari might be. For an extra cost, you can ride in a truck that takes you even closer to the animals. But I think the train was probably more comfortable, and I was satisfied with the animals we saw.
Ruth - Yes, it was a little bit shaded on the train, and there was a cooling breeze as it moved through the "serengeti." Thanks for the kind words about the pictures.
Thanks, Stephen. Frankly, when I'm startled, up is often not the direction I go. :)
It's obvious you and Doug make a great team. These photos are wonderful. I visited Busch Gardens many, many years ago, but I remember the ride through the park (I'm not sure it was a train). Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteGeorge - It really is nice to have Doug shooting video. The video makes a great souvenir of places and events...complete with voices. It performs a service that a photograph can't do. But I enjoy taking photographs, so our "teamwork" does produce some good memories.
DeleteGreat pics as usual Linda...Doug as well! You two certainly know how to have FUN! You are making me want to visit Busch Gardens...that would be much more practical than traveling all the way to Africa!
DeleteThanks, Diane. We really enjoyed Busch Gardens, but there's a place called The Wilds in Ohio that I've been wanting to see, too. Maybe you and Terry and Doug and I should plan a weekend trip over there sometime.
DeleteBeautiful critters. So cool that you can snap a shot after the fact.
ReplyDeleteHilary - I love that feature of the camcorder. Even my "tightwad" husband is glad that we made that purchase.
DeleteSuch a train is used in many zoos, isn't it? Sometimes it's convenient to use it instead of covering long distances on foot.
ReplyDeleteI like the female pair of Impalas. The distance they can jump sounds impressive.
Petra - The main reason we used the train that day was that it was so hot outside. On the train, there was a little shade and a cooling breeze from the forward motion of the train. It did make photography more of a challenge than it would have been if I'd been standing still, though. :)
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