17 Comments
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Bill Anderson's avatar

Thanks for sharing your collection of memories of your childhood pursuits. Thanks too for continuing to catch just the right shot.

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thanks, Bill! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Also, thanks for subscribing 🙏

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søren k. harbel's avatar

Bautifully said and illustrated. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your love for animals, big and small!

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you so much, Søren. I’m pleased to hear that you enjoyed my post.

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Nadine3892's avatar

Exquisite photos, absolutely exquisite. I have had mixed feelings about zoos too, but I now recognize zoos to be a vital cog in protecting endangered species. How detailed these images are, and compelling.

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you so much, Nadine 🙏. I really appreciate your comments.

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KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

I love these images and your menagerie story.

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you so much, KewtieBird 🙏. Happy to hear that you liked them.

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Mark White's avatar

Ps: i esp love the painterly penguin!

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you so much for your comments, Mark. I really appreciate them and I also appreciate what you are saying about finding it difficult to see animals in captivity. It is definitely much better to see them in the wild. There are many zoos I wouldn’t set foot in because of the poor conditions but I do have some comfort with the Toronto Zoo and the work they’re doing. That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement though.

I really like the penguin photo too. I used a bit of artistic license but I’m pleased with the final result.

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Mark White's avatar

I too am not a fan of zoos. Not for objective reasons. I understand the many benefits of a well run scientifically based zoo. It's emotional. My heart breaks. So I appreciate you acknowledging the divisive aspect, and i appreciate more your story and truly fine photographs. Very great work, text and imagery! 👊🏼

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Thomas Balatka's avatar

Wonderful story, Mark. Your kindness towards animals shows in your photos.

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you, Thomas! So happy to hear you liked the story. Hope your move went well and you’re settling in ok.

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Marcello Mancuso's avatar

A boy with ingenuity and a mission. A wonder it lasted as long as it did. I really enjoyed the story.

The animal shots are full fledged portraits. Beautiful and moving. I would love to see the gorilla and the flamingo in print. Do you know someone with a decent printer?

Great piece, Mark!!

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Mark Foard's avatar

Much appreciated, Marcello. There are a few photos I’d like to get printed and I think I might know someone who has a really fancy new printer. Unfortunately, his name escapes me right now 🤔🤭

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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

I am not a great fan of the zoo personally but what I liked about this post is that your love for the animals came through. I hope you do share your Africa images and stories at some point.

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Mark Foard's avatar

Thank you so much, Shital. Animals played a big part in my younger days and I’m happy to hear that my love of them came through.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take too many wildlife photos when I was in Africa but the experience was amazing and I’d love to go back again someday.

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