One Toothed Wildcat

16 March 11

Posted at 6:30

 

One Toothed Wildcat

This old fella was shot at the British Wildlife Centre a couple of weeks ago. I visited with a couple of friends on what was called a photographers day. The idea is the centre is closed to the public and photographers can pay (£80 for the day) and go behind the scenes in the anilmals enclosures accopmanied by a keeper. My perception of the centre and of the day turned out to be a rose tinted interpretation of the marketing blurb. I expected massive open enclosures where you would catch glimpses of the British wildlife there mainly due to the skilled keeper who accompanied you.

We were somewhat disappointed that it is really more like a pets corner - a zoo! The 'wild' animals are actually tame so yes you can capture some amazing shots (you do have to be careful about background) but this can hardly qualify for natural history or wildlife photography in my book. The day of the visit was 28th February, a bitterly cold day, which added insult to injury. The staff at the BWC sensed we were not exactly overjoyed (though they were not responsibe for the weather) and gave us 50% of our fee back without us asking. My learning point from this experience is to read promotional material more cautiously in future - I of all people should not need to tell myself that!

I won't be returning to the BWC, I would get more pleasure waiting all day in an hide to catch a shot of a fox, otter or even aging wildcat in the wild than have them line up to be fed in front of me - however good the resulting image may be. 

Comments

As I read the first line of text withou a picture I was worried what I was about to see…. But he is a charming old fella full of life I’m glad to see! Still a good looking photo despite it’s story… So long as the animals are well looked after…

Maggie replied almost 12 years ago.

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