2008 Photo Contest Winners Announced!
Photo of Philodendron Leaf Takes Prize
The Oklahoma Zoological Society named 33 winners in the annual "Capture the Wild" Oklahoma City Zoo Photo Contest.
For the past 25 years, zoo enthusiasts of all ages have submitted an array of photographs that capture a glimpse of any of the 2,000 animals and thousands of plant species at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
"Every year we say ‘ These are the best photos ever' and every year it's true! And this is the first year the Best of Show photo was from the Landscape category. " said Betsy Allie, Interim Director of the Oklahoma Zoological Society.
More than 125 participants entered over 550 photographs for this year's contest. Each category claimed a first place winner and awards of excellence winners. This year's judges included OKC Zoo Curator of Mammals, Laura Bottaro; graphic designer, Terry Finley; and professional photographer, John Jernigan.
The Prince of Orange philodendron leaf captured the Best in Show award, which has earned it the 2009 ZooFriends calendar front cover placement.
Winners were announced at a reception at the Rosser Conservation Education Center at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Best in Show: Kara Adams (Oklahoma City)
Youth Categories winners include the following.
Youth I (through 8 years old): (First Place) Emma Riggs (Yukon); (Awards of Excellence) Adelin Gonzales, Jordan Pippin, Logan Shields
Youth II (9 - 12 years old): (First Place) Jansen Rouillard (Wichita Falls, TX); (Awards of Excellence) Shelby Davis, Rachel Eulberg, Tara Henn
Youth III (13 - 18 years old): (First Place) Kimberly Wheeler (Oklahoma City); (Awards of Excellence) Kimberly Wheeler, Brandon Baker (2)
Adult Categories winners include the following.
Aquarium/Amphibian/Reptiles: (First Place) Bill Schmidt (Oklahoma City); (Awards of Excellence) Jackie Bartels, Joel Lare, Kristen Wheeler
Birds: (First Place) Paul Baker (Oklahoma City); (Awards of Excellence) Mike Dooley, Jenny Norton, Bill Schmidt
Landscape: (First Place) Debbie Wheeler (Oklahoma City); (Awards of Excellence) Paul Baker, Dennis Ewen, Jennifer Shields
Mammals/Carnivores: (First Place) Andrea Akin (Moore); (Awards of Excellence) Pamela Burton, Kimberly Smith, Ron Smothers
Mammals/Herbivores: (First Place) Bonnie Adams (Oklahoma City); (Awards of Excellence) Michelle Rouillard, Janet Steele, Kristen Wheeler
Each year, the contest creates opportunities for youth and adults to experience the Zoo on a new level during workshops featuring tips from professional photographers. Participants of any age and photography level may enter the contest free of charge.
All photographs entered in the 2008 contest will be displayed through the month of September at the Rosser Conservation Education Center at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Viewing hours are Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ZooFriends members receive the colorful calendar featuring the winners of the photo contest as a benefit of membership to the Oklahoma Zoological Society. Calendars also will be available beginning in November for $11 online at www.zoofriends.org or in the Zoofriends office in the front plaza of the Zoo for $10.
Best of Show photo by Kara Adams