The Studio

One of the really cool things that  I get to do from time to time is go somewhere unusual to take photos that I might eventually paint.  Yesterday, the unusual place that I went was right here in our own backyard, Front Royal. 

I was invited by Jessica Kordell, one of the animal keepers, to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Parks Conservation Research Center that is located right here in Front Royal to take pictures to paint. 

This text is directly from their website…

“The Conservation and Research Center started primarily as a breeding center for endangered birds and mammals. Today, the black-footed ferret, Eld’s deer, and several species of Pacific island birds are being bred to maintain genetic diversity and provide reserves for highly endangered species.

The current priority for CRC’s animal collection is veterinary and reproductive research. By living in controlled environments, the birds and mammals—most of them little-known and endangered—provide ideal subjects for intensive study and the rapid acquisition of urgently needed information. Findings from these studies provide critical information for the management of captive populations and valuable insights for the conservation and management of wild populations.”

I took photos of the Clouded Leopards first.  They are beautiful.  I wish you could see them without the cage but you will get an idea from these shots.  Their feet are huge and their tails very long. 

But it is their gorgeous coloring that gives them their name….huge “clouds” of spots or markings on their bodies. 

The last photo gives you a better idea of the size of those paws.

I will share more of my photos from the CRC visit with you over the next few days.  It was such a terrific visit and many thanks to Jessica for inviting me.

Tomorrow Red Pandas!!!