A. japonicus random pics

[TJ]

(technically speaking, definitely <u>not</u> an easy shot to take

)

 

[TJ]

 

[TJ]

(this one here's a juvenile)

 

[TJ]

(close-up of same juvie)

 

[josh]

Never cease To amaze Tim, Great Pics. Where did you happen to snap these?

 

[TJ]

Thanks Josh. These were taken at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. It's on the way to work so I occasionally drop in to visit the giant salamanders at the viviarium. Well, "snap" is not quite the right word because it's excruciatingly difficult to get decent pics there. The glass or acryl that forms the front wall of the giant salamander tank is very thick and somewhat opaque, has lots of scratches in it and is smudged with fingerprints. Not to mention the hoards of school-children

passing through, seemingly with the sole purpose in life of causing maximum distress to the captive animals by banging on the glass. In fact, I missed what would have been a GREAT yawn shot just the other day because of the view was blocked by several kids, but hey, I took it like a man and dealt with it

Having said that, the sals were probably more distressed by my camera flash than by the kids...

(Message edited by TJ on April 02, 2004)

 

[edward]

Great shots Tim,
When I worked with them, I was totally unable to get pictures like those.
Ed

 

[TJ]

Thanks Ed. It really must be amazing to work with them. I plan to visit an A.japonicus breeding center out in western Honshu as early as August when I'm there for an annual giant salamander festival:

http://www.caudata.org/forum/messages/8/2646.html