Group Rules:

If you have a favorite zoo shot that does not fit into any other group, it is welcome here. I want to see your best work only. This may include creatures as small as a ladybug taken at a botanical gardens, or a huge as an elephant at your local zoo. The main focus of the art must be on the animal.

While I feel this group will lend itself to photography for the most part,
please feel free to upload your all artwork featuring captive animals including but not limited to photography, digital manipulations, digital 3D renderings, paintings, anyother artwork, T-Shirts, and writings to this group.

The animals must be captive animals, so please make sure your entries
focus on this topic. This may include: Zoos, Acquariums, Botanical Gardens,
Petting Zoos, Drive-Thru Safari Parks, Petting Zoos, Aligator Farms, wildlife reserves, etc. PLEASE DO NOT UPLOAD pictures of domestic pets such as dogs, cats, hamsters, and goldfish. Although we love these animals, too, there are other groups dedicated for this purpose. If these or any that do not fit the criteria are uploaded, they will be removed.

Please limit your submissions to 3 per day so that everyone’s work will have a
chance to be seen before being buried on the last page.

I would like to propose 2 challenges for work added to this group:

(1) The first challenge of this group is to use creative depth of field or digital
enhancements so that your creatures do not appear to be in captivity. Try your
best not to show ugly bars, fake rocks, fences, etc. Ask yourself, “Would this
make a great card for the zoo giftshop?”

(2) The second challenge of this group is to showcase the animal in the best light
possible. We want the animal to be praised and have the dignity it deserves. We
love happy animals, having fun and enjoying life.

Even zoo animals deserve the best quality of life the keeper’s can provide.
While I know, not all captive animals are provided for equally, there are some
zoos and other facilities that do very well. Keep in mind the more donations
that are received, the better habitats and care the zoo’s can provide. So if you love
animals, consider a contribution to your favorite zoo. If you love animals,
consider becoming a member of your local zoo, rather than paying as you go.
Membership Fees are a big help. Also, it’s a great place for inspiration for
writing, painting, photography, and other art forms.

The Forums The forums in this group are used a great deal for contest and group discussions. Please start new topics for discussions in the “General Discussions” area. Most of the topics in the forums relate to competitions, so be sure to visit the forums on a regular basis, and enter the contest when you can.

No Journals in this group for now. I would love to have journals, except, all the journals entered in this group in the past were totally off topic. I feel group journals must relate specifically to the group topic, discussion of zoos or other locations where animals are raised in captivity. I do not feel this is a place to promote yourself, your work, or for other off subject activity. So, we have no journals for the time being.

Thanks for your involvement in the group, and remember to Have Fun With It.