Wild Personality

A visit to Beardsley Zoo is a reminder that animals have just as much personality as people—sometimes more. The otters, for example, were pure slapstick comedy, splashing and tumbling like siblings who can’t resist showing off. The prairie dogs popped up from their burrows with the timing of seasoned comedians, freezing mid-pose as if daring me to laugh first. It’s impossible not to grin when you see that kind of mischief at work.

The leopard had a different vibe entirely—lounging right up against the glass, stretching and yawning as if we’d interrupted a very important nap. A few exhibits over, the black panther was even more committed to relaxation, draped across his rock in the shadows, flicking his tail with an air of mystery. The bear, on the other hand, decided bath time was the main event, splashing and soaking in the faux stream like he was at a five-star spa.

And then there were the wolves—less like a synchronized pack and more like dogs parading around their yard, each doing their own thing. One sniffed, another lounged, another strolled with a kind of casual authority. They felt oddly familiar, almost domestic in their quirks, yet still carried that undeniable wildness. Capturing these personalities through the lens wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about finding those moments where animal behavior mirrors our own, a reminder that character shows up everywhere, even behind the zoo’s fences.

Book a session with me to let your personality shine, you wild animal!

Stay Colorful, Stay Wild!