Hamerton zoo park, Cambridgeshire - Tigers, CHEETAHS & BIRDS OF PREY
Privileged Access to Cheetahs
Photographers on Safari have arranged special access to their extremely large enclosures. I have photographed cheetahs at many places within the UK, and also on many occasions in Africa. I do not know of any other location in the UK where better photographs of cheetahs can consistently be taken. The shots taken today could easily be passed off as taken in Africa. There are numerous Cheetahs at Hamerton, and the stars of the day are a Mum and her three cubs born in August 2007. The cubs have now been separated from their mother and it is hoped that they will now also have cubs of their own.
Corsac Foxes
After spending a considerable amount of time with the cheetahs we will also enjoy equally privileged access to the Corsac Foxes. These animals often move quite swiftly within their spacious enclosure, but they are amazing creatures just to watch, let alone photograph. Once again it would be quite difficult to disprove your photos had been taken in the wild.
Red Maned Wolves
These superb creatures again have a sizeable and wonderfully natural enclose. The wolves will circle round a central hillock, enabling us to photograph them with a great background. They have an amazing gait, and the proud way they strut round is often compared to that of a show horse. A new set of cubs were born in the winter months and should be ideal for us to photograph in 2008.
Bengal Tigers
There are two adult Bengal Tigers here. They now have a large newly opened large external enclosure. One has the normal brown / orange & black markings, while the other is the much rarer White Tiger, predominantly white with dark brown stripes. Again we enjoy privileged access to the rear and side of their enclosure. (not available to the general public). The tigers will respond to chunks of meat thrown into the enclosure, enabling you to capture great action shots. They will run or walk both towards you and also from side to side.
Birds of Prey
The morning session will be used to photograph various birds of prey. they will be chosen from the following. Barn Owl, Eagle Owl, Great Grey Owl (possibly everybody's favourite), Harris Hawk and American Red Tailed Hawk. We will have at least three subjects to photograph. We will take photos of the subjects, both in flight and while perched on attractive logs or branches. Every effort will be made to hide the jesses while perched. The flying shots will see the birds on a regular pre-planned flight-path for about 20 metres at a time. They therefore make great subjects on which to learn or perfect your panning techniques, and give you the best opportunity to take that perfect flying shot.
Cost and Dates for 2012:
SAT. MARCH 10TH 10.30 - 4.30 £99.00
SAT. MARCH 24TH 10.30 - 4.30 £99.00
SAT. APRIL 14TH 10.30 - 4.30 £99.00
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Click here for Cheetah Cub photos
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Typical Itinerary
10.15 Meet and greet
10.30 Group tuition and safety briefing.
11.00 Birds of Prey. Flying and set ups of a selection of the following; Barn Owl, Great Grey Owl, Eagle Owl, Harris Hawk and American Red Tailed Hawk. One to one tuition as required.
1.00 Tea / Coffee and Sandwiches
2.00 Adult Cheetahs
2.30 Corsac Foxes
3.00 Red Maned Wolves
3.30 Tigers
4.20 Cheetahs
4.30 - 4.45 Close
4.45 to 5.30 Optional free time in zoo park
