Judy's Photoblog
Low-slung Lu
Posted by Judy (Brooksville, Florida, United States) on 26 March 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
Kayla enjoyed learning about this 49-year-old fellow, who has quite a history. Here is just a snippet from a website that tells about him: "For more than four decades, Lu has been a mainstay among the animals at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. When the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service purchased the attraction in 1989, the state planned to shift the emphasis of the park to native Florida wildlife and find homes for all of the exotic species, including Lu. Public support, however, led the state to grant Lu special Florida citizenship in 1991, allowing him to stay at the park. "
For the entire article, go here.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog; your comments are greatly appreciated. I apologize for not getting to all of your posts. I will visit as time permits.
---~--- Philippians 4:13 'We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.' ... <*}}}><
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Magda from Vancouver, Canada
Nice work Judy! It looks like Kayla had a lot of fun!
26 Mar 2009 5:20am
@Magda: Thank you ... and yes, Kayla had a great day!
EYES WIDE SHUT from The library of my soul, United Kingdom
They are such marvellously prehistoric creatures, and yet the most deadly creature on the planet in the areas they inhabit. I've yet to see one in the wild, and would so love to. Lovely images, Judy
26 Mar 2009 5:50am
@EYES WIDE SHUT: Between the Alligators and the Hippo ... we truly saw some historic creatures.
Thank you, Paul.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
What a lovely series, you took it wonderfully dear Judy ;)
26 Mar 2009 6:04am
@Lorraine: Thank you, Lorraine.
LeenaM from Joensuu, Finland
It is nice to see these photos both of an animal and people, special greetings to Kayla!
I am now sitting in a train going to be in my daughter`s house with children.
Nice day to you!
26 Mar 2009 8:33am
@LeenaM: I guess your wireless internet connection even works on the train; that's wonderful.
Have a wonderful visit with your daughter and the children!
@Eleftheria: Thank you, Eleftheria.
Barbara from Florida, United States
Very nice series of images together, like a photo story book. Very interesting story of Lu, even though creatures like these belong in their natural habitat, I am pleased to know they kept Lu where he was at. At least the place he knows best.
It's nice to discover this park through your lens, Judy.
This certainly was a special outing for Kayla. Nice images of her and Susan.
26 Mar 2009 12:27pm
@Barbara: Thank you, Barb ... I'm happy I posted the trio rather than individual photos.
I imagine they would have had a hard time acclimatizing Lu to his natural habitat after being 'humanized'. So it's probably better that he be cared for to live out his life as an educational subject.
@john4jack: Thanks, Jack.
Viewfinder from Bradenton, FL, United States
I am absolutely delighted that Lu got his FL citizenship! And that you gave us this trio of wonderful shots. What fun!
26 Mar 2009 3:30pm
@Viewfinder: Thank you ... I'm glad I added a little of Lu's history. He's a character, but steer clear when he decides to twirl his tail (splattering anything in reach with his soil). :(
MontereyJohn from Salinas, California, United States
What fun. I'm glad Lu got a "reprieve." :)
26 Mar 2009 4:45pm
@MontereyJohn: Thanks, John ... me too!
Mandy Provan from Johannesburg, South Africa
It look as if everyone had a grand time..including Lou! :)
26 Mar 2009 6:00pm
@Mandy Provan: Thanks, Mandy!
tyan from Singapore
hello Lu,Kayla and Susan!And Judy nana's back:) Lu is looking great at her age,she is definitely a wonderful sight:) Sorry havent been around,but i often think how i can get to the PC to visit you:)
26 Mar 2009 9:43pm
@tyan: Hi Sweetie ... I just left you a message and wish so badly, that I could 'drop in' and give you a huge hug! xx
Fliss from Melbourne Beach, United States
I am going to have to go to this park one day... love all the shots... such a happy day no doubt...
26 Mar 2009 11:26pm
@Fliss: Yes, it was a wonderful day with our granddaughter!
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
cool shot judy...looks like everyone enjoyed themselves....i used to be a fan of these guys, till i encountered the tail end of one at the national zoo in DC.....he must have had something bad to eat, cause he "cut a wet one" that showered all of us that were nearby!!!! Talk about a huge stink!!!!!!
26 Mar 2009 11:29pm
@Susan: Ohhhhhhhh, Susan, I can only imagine how awful your experience was! That 'whirl of the tail' is a devasting sign and sadly, you were the brunt of it! :(
@Jen: Thanks, Jen.
observing from North West, United Kingdom
Nicely documented Judy, looks a great family outing.
27 Mar 2009 12:40am
@observing: It truly was a meaningful connecting with our daughter and our granddaughter who lives so far away.
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
good thing now Judy, is I can laugh about it!!!
27 Mar 2009 12:55am
@Susan: That's good news, Susan! :D
JJ from Jersey City, United States
Superb series of shots, and so interesting to read of Lu's history
27 Mar 2009 12:58am
@JJ: Thank you, JJ ... I felt Lu's history was good to share.
Carol from United States
We have known Lu for over 30 years. I love this series....especially Aunt Susan and her beloved niece.
27 Mar 2009 3:51pm
@Carol: I guess you're one of those in his 'fan club' then. :D
Thanks, Carol.
Sony DSLR-A100
1/320 second
F/6.3
ISO 320
160 mm