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In one photo, the polar bear hovers underwater, ears pressed back, paws extended, bubbles escaping the glorious schnozz. In other pictures, the animal inspects the possibilities of a plastic emergency cone, or takes in the view above the blue-green expanse of its pool. Later, the camera catches the creature paddling off, flashing a glimpse of gargantuan paws.

Welcome to the zoo photography of Valerie Abbott. Through her extensive collection on Flickr, this amateur photographer has captivated viewers with her astonishing portraits of wild animals.

We first discovered Valerie, whose Flickr name is "ucumari," through her "Bears of the World" collection. But her ursine photographs are just the beginning. Elephants, giraffes, lions, gorillas, tigers, wolves, and parrots romp, run, swim, doze, and flap through these colorful, dignified sets.

When we wrote Valerie, she told us how she got started capturing the mugs of these incredible creatures—and what her "secret trick" is...

Hi there, Valerie. We know you volunteer at the North Carolina Zoo. We think they should hire you as a full-time photographer! What is your day job? And how much time do you devote to photography?

I would love to be a full-time photographer at a zoo or any place that has animals that are well cared for! My "day" job is really a night job... I work in the prepress department of our local newspaper, and no, I'm not a photographer there!

I don't devote as much of my time to photography as I would like. My vacations are planned around it and after (sometimes before!) my volunteer work on Mondays.

We're blown away by the photos in your Flickr sets. The lion cubs! The white tigers! The panda bears! Oh, my! How do you capture them?

Thank you so much! LUCK!! That is how I capture my images. Being at the right place is a big part of it. I also like to revisit zoos. Once I get to know a zoo a little better I can find the animals when I want... Early in the morning or late afternoon are the best times to find them active. Patience is another trait you must have. Those polar bears just don't like to pose underwater! I shoot a lot of frames to find a few that are acceptable.

Which of your photos is the most "favorited" by the Flickr community? What about the most commented on?

By far my most popular photo by comments and favs is one I call "The end." It is also one of my favorites!

And ours, too! Your profile page discusses the benefits of zoos. Do you get anti-zoo comments from people?

Yes, I occasionally get the anti-zoo comment or even an email... I respect anyone who has an adult opinion about animals and zoos. I realize not everyone thinks zoos are a good thing. It seems I get some talk of how bad zoos were when the person was growing up. I just wish they could see how some zoos are today.

I think my profile page explains my opinion best and I try to direct folks to that.

Some of the sets, like the one devoted to the Andean bear Bandit, give a tremendous amount of information about the animal. Do you find that people on Flickr, or elsewhere on the Web, have started to contact you for more details on the creatures you photograph?

Ah, Bandit the Andean bear. This was the bear that really got me back into photography. I was visiting Lsing-Lsing (one of the first pandas at The National Zoo in Washington D.C.) and came across this magical bear... I didn't know what she was, but something really caught my eye with her.

I do not get many inquires about these bears or many of my sets... I do get places asking to use my photos for signage and other non-profit uses... I ask for a copy or photo of any of mine being used or, if it's for profit, I request that any profit or a donation be made to the facility in which it was taken.

Have you ever had an experience where an animal being photographed has responded to you?

Oh yes! Bandit knows my scent very well! A secret trick I use is to put on some perfume before visiting. That way the animal smells you coming and knows it's you!

Willy the polar bear is also one that likes to come visit me. Of course he likes to visit with anybody! Usually scent is the only way to get an animal to know you. They pretty much ignore the yelling and other noises people will make to try and get an animals attention. They have heard it all before!

We like to think they also know you make them look so very, very good. Thanks again, Valerie. Keep up the great work!

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