Last Saterday I spend the morning in the Amsterdam Zoo “Artis”. It’s a lovely big city center zoo that dates back to 1838. And at some part that shows 
For a photographer that poses new challenges. Cages with wire netting, small enough to keep the animal in, big enough for the people to see the animal. For me it brings out mixed feelings. For some animals it’s that way or not at all. More recently zoo’s started using glass instead of the wire. I several cases that makes life easier for me. It some cases even more difficult. With warmer temperatures, the glass gets wet and makes it impossible to get a good shot. Even zoo keepers can’t go in on a daily basis to wipe the screens for us photographers.
Recently I was in the zoo in Emmen and made a shot of a Siberian tiger behind glass. A case where there was only one spot on the glass to make the photo. So I waited until the tiger made his round and came in focus.
With this leopard it was a different case. He (or she?) was waiting for me. He probably was there hours before and hours after as well. Didn’t wait for it. Anyway. The leopard was behind wires. To the left was a tree in front of the wire. Moving further to the right causes the wire to stay in sight. The holes get to narrow when the angle increases. So it was almost head on or not at all. Next challenge was to find the right hole. The one that gives the largest frame with still a nice look. After a few minutes I found the spot and made the shot. The result you can see below.
If you want to see more of Artis, then go to my collection at Flickr and see some more photo’s. Personally I like the parrot and the griffon vulture, which are on the second page.
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