Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.
People of the Forest
There are two types of Orangutan, the Sumatran and the Borneo Orangutan. The Sumatran Orangutan is critically endangered and their extinction in the wild is likely within the next 10 years. The Borneo Orangutan is listed as endangered and is also set to disappear from our planet in the near future. These beautiful people of the forest have been directly affected by logging, palm oil plantations, hunting for the pet trade and poaching for meat.
Gabby who lives at Melbourne Zoo.
I used to avoid the primate section of the zoo. I would always gravitate towards the birds or the African animals. I never really stopped to think why. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them, I had a great respect for them, but now that I look back on it, I think it was the fact that primates are so much like people that kept me away. Orangutans in particular are so closely related to humans, we actually share 97% of DNA.
Then one day, I wandered into the Orangutan enclosure at Melbourne Zoo and sat down next to the glass. The Orangutans are able to sit on the other side of the glass and interact with you here. A lovely lady called Kiani came and sat opposite me on the other side of the glass. My interaction with her that day left me overwhelmed and in tears and so my love for them began. I now spend hours in the primate enclosures and heartily appreciate everything about the minds and hearts of Orangutans, Gorillas, Mandrills, Spider Monkeys, Gibbons and so on. How I could’ve ever overlooked them now astounds me! One day soon, I’d love to go over and see them in the wild….whilst I still can.
The first time I met Kiani through the glass.
For more information about Orangutans and their plight please visit www.orangutan.org.au
And please visit Zoos Victorias Don’t Palm Us Off initiative www.zoo.org.au/PalmOil
They are pushing for mandatory palm oil labelling on food products so consumers can make a kinder choice for the people of the forest.
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.
The Brolga
The Brolga is such an elegant, gorgeous bird. This image was taken about 8 years ago when I was still using my Pentax K1000 film camera. Some images will always stand that test of time.
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.
Edgar’s Mission
Edgar’s Mission is a beautiful, not for profit farm sanctuary situated in Willowmavin, Victoria. They rescue, rehome and rehabilitate animals. Edgar’s Mission conduct a wonderful humane education program which educates the public about farm animals, factory farming, the meat, egg and dairy industries. They also provide an oppurtunity for people to meet and interact with farm animals, which is a superb way to let people see how amazing farm animals really are.
I first visited Edgar’s Mission in 2008 and was totally in my element meeting and greeting over 250 rescued residents all with their different stories and personalities.
The following slideshows of my favourite images from Edgar’s Mission are a result of my visits from 2008 to 2012. There’s over 300 photos here, so get comfortable! They are certainly better viewed fullscreen.
I’m so thankful for the voices and homes Edgar’s Mission gives to farm animals. I’m also incredibly grateful to be able to take photos of so many different beautiful faces at Edgar’s Mission, I always finish my days there with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.
Please visit their website www.edgarsmission.org.au for more information.
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.
The Majestic Pelican
The Australian Pelican is a beautiful bird. I’m in awe every single time I see one. They’re so very clever as well. If you’re not too familiar with the bird, I recommend you watch “Storm Boy”, the 1976 Australian film about a boy and his pelican. It’s wonderful….and always makes me cry.
The following photographs are part of a series that I’m still working on.
For those who would prefer a slideshow version and to view more of the series, please click the slideshow below.
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.