I find that what's cool about shooting exotic animals in nature parks and zoos is that you can get some amazing close-ups if you have a little patience. It's kind of funny to think about... when I was little, I enjoyed the zoo for the animals; now I take our grandkids and they keep having to pull me off my camera!
Yeah I know what you mean. I find that taking photographs enhances my memory of any given event. (probably the same for most people). I took a 70-300mm lens with me on this fine day and it was the perfect range. not an amazingly expensive lens or fast but it really captures the detail at a distance. thanks and nice avatar @redddragonfly it does what it says on the tin !