Here's one of the ever-playful otters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in December of 2018. This place is on the side of a mountain in Colorado Springs. It's unlike any zoo you've likely ever been to. Everything feels more natural. Enclosures are built into the natural landscape. So much of it feels like a window into the real worlds of the animals. It has a great atmosphere, especially in the winter. You'll be frigid as you work your way up the mountain. Some animals are indoors this time of year, those less suited for the cold Rocky Mountain weather. The snow leopard and amur cats are incredibly happy and more active. They love the snow! The gaters are hidden away for the season though. You can still see a lot of animals, and some you can view from outside through glass in warm and cozy spaces. I know it's not nature, but it tries to be. Until we live in a world where animals aren't threatened, this kind of place is like a little envelope of safety for them all. I can see the work the people do here is geared toward informing the public and helping keep species alive in our world.

I'm thinking of taking photos like this and compiling a calendar. If there's enough interest, I just might get one done in time for the new year. It looks like a print-on-demand type product would probably be around $20, with perhaps $1.50 going to the seller. I know that's not a lot, but it may help me one day gain freedom from my job so I can become independent. I'd love to make a living with photography. Let me know what you all think. And, as always, thanks for viewing, faving, and commenting!