When I go to the Basel Zoo (which is often - we have passes) I always see photographers (professional perhaps) snapping photos all over the place. Does anyone know if these people are paid by the zoo? Or are these just professionals going on their own free will taking photos? or what the scoop is?? I know a guy that takes beautiful photos and thought maybe he could be hired on - if they do that at the zoo to take photos of the animals - as part of the professional group. Does anyone have or know where i can get more information regarding this?

Thanks ahead of time!
JustMe

Could it be the media coverage over the birth of the new baby rhino? there have also been some media coverage over other births over the years.

I think that was well covered in the news, althouth perhaps not to the level of Knut.

I've been to Basel zoo at least 20 times over many years yet do not recall anything more than the typcial tourist/visitor phototakers.

It could be a photo club or even a photography lesson group outing don't forget. We saw a similar group when when we were last back in the States and visiting Oklahoma City Zoo. It was a group of photo buffs, not professionals, out taking pictures on an extremely cold and windy November day.

Alternatively it is just a bunch of hobbyists practicing their hobby?

I doubt a professional would be wandering round the zoo with their camera for a job......there's always people with SLRs and big lenses at zoos but they are just camera geeks and not working

Generally the most expensive equipment is owned by rich amateurs! It's the pro photographers eyes your paying for not the camera!

I understand that wild life films are often diluted with short films of zoo animals, so perhaps you are seeing that process.