Thursday’s lunch break offered the perfect escape from routine, with the promise of a sunny afternoon at Zoo Planckendael. The warm, golden rays seemed to cast a spell on both animals and visitors alike, creating a serene atmosphere full of captivating moments.
Armed with my Nikon Z8 and the versatile NIKON Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens , I was ready to capture the magic of the day. This combination proved invaluable for photographing wildlife, offering the perfect balance of speed, clarity, and reach.
As I wandered through the zoo, I noticed the antelope seeking respite on the cool ground, a quiet contrast to the bustling energy of other exhibits. Nearby, the Inca tern stole the show with an elegant mirror-like reflection at the water’s edge—a photographer’s dream come true, perfectly captured with the long zoom of the Nikkor lens.
Continuing on, the kangaroo basked lazily in the grass, exuding a carefree vibe. Meanwhile, the female rhinoceros paced nervously, her movements drawing a stark contrast to the tranquil surroundings. In the red panda enclosure, the keepers made playful attempts to coax the pandas out of their sunny sanctuary. It seemed the pandas had no intention of leaving their cozy spot, and the keepers joined in, soaking up the sunshine themselves.
The day’s final encounter proved the most unexpected—a stork gathering nesting material near the male rhinoceros enclosure. The moment turned magical as the stork suddenly took flight, leaving me scrambling to capture the scene with no time to adjust my settings. While the shot wasn’t perfectly sharp, it carried the raw energy of the moment—a beautiful reminder that some imperfections enhance a story.
These few hours at Zoo Planckendael was a reminder of how nature can be both soothing and surprising, offering endless inspiration to photographers. The Nikon Z8 and NIKON Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens proved to be the perfect companions for the adventure, helping me preserve these fleeting moments in all their beauty.
Have a look at my Zoo Planckendael 2025 album.
Equipment used for this shoot:
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