Burning bright at Dartmoor Zoological Park (DZP)

A few of the animals to be seen at the DZP, at Sparkwell near Plymouth (link), the story of which was told in the film  "We bought a zoo". Keeping animals in captivity, especially large animals like tigers, is always questionable but this is a small, friendly, slightly unkempt zoo with seemingly very content animals and warm friendly staff.  The amur tigers are under extreme pressure in the wild from loss of habitat, and use of their powdered bones and other parts in Chinese so called medicines. The tiger is eating meat from Dartmoor ponies culled during the autumn round ups. They are magnificent beasts and to see them so close up in an open enclosure is breathtaking. This is a fun day out at a very reasonable cost and it has a good spacious restaurant.

done fightin'

It is amazing that this tattered male silver washed fritillary could still fly but it could, and it was recharging for another day's battle. Its dilapidated state is in sharp contrast to the sharp edges and bright colours of a newly hatched red admiral.

one blue

the first and only blue I have seen this year. I have am not sure what the insect below is called but it looks very odd! I think it is called the garden pebble (evergestis forficalis) and is a common pest of cultivated gardens.

munch time

more scrumptious scenes from the flower show

the mysteries of Judgement

 

at Stoke Climsland Flower Show 2013, spared by the rain, blessed by a huge entry and a happy gathering. It's not the winning but the eating that matters.

golden rings

close up of golden ringed dragonfly and its amazing eyes.