If you ever want to test your stamina, try pulling off a day like this: running on three hours of sleep, dropping off work gear before most people have had their coffee, and still dragging yourself across town to chase that perfect photo in the sunshine. That was my Tuesday. And yeah—was it worth it? Absolutely.
The Start: Early, Sleepy, Determined
The day kicked off in classic “Kiba Snowpaw” style. After barely catching any sleep, I was up early to drop off the PDA at Netto—something I managed to bring home after work (don’t ask, long story). Even though my boss was out on his usual dad duties, I caught up with some coworkers and made sure everything was sorted for the day. Responsibility first, adventure after.
Instead of taking the easy route and grabbing the bus, I opted for a walk to Frederikssund Station. The weather was just too good to waste. I had some snacks in my bag, my camera hanging ready, and enough determination to get me to Copenhagen, no matter how tired I felt.
The Commute: Trains, Crowds, and Urban Safari
The train ride itself was a reminder of why I usually avoid morning commutes—half the train poured out at Vanløse like it was the end of the world. It’s kind of funny, until you remember you’re still standing, half-awake, with a heavy camera bag. But at least I wasn’t alone in my quest for something more interesting than office life.
Arrival: Søndermarken & Into the Wild
Walking from Valby through Søndermarken was a much-needed breather. The green calm of the park set the mood before hitting the zoo. No rush, no noise—just a few birds and some early joggers, plus the knowledge that soon I’d be trading concrete for wildlife.
Copenhagen Zoo: Camera On, World Off
Once inside, it was like switching off the rest of the world. The first thing I do on any zoo trip is just wander. No map, no route. Just go where the light looks best and where the animals seem active.
Otters: The Eternal Crowd-Pleasers
Asian small-clawed otters are, hands-down, one of the best animals to photograph. Their energy is contagious, and even on a hot day, they dart around rocks, chase each other, or disappear into their den (sometimes you only get the tail end—literally!). I spent a while trying to capture them in action, and, as usual, they made it a challenge.
Amur Tigers: Ghosts in the Sun
If you’ve never seen an Amur tiger up close, you’re missing out on one of nature’s true masterpieces. Also called the Siberian tiger, these giants are the largest of all tiger subspecies, perfectly adapted for life in the icy forests of eastern Russia and China. I found one half-hidden in the dappled shade, that intense, wary gaze fixed on everything—and nothing. It’s hard not to feel a little awe-struck, staring back through the lens, realizing you’re in the presence of pure muscle, instinct, and survival.
Lions: The Art of Doing Nothing
Big cats know how to chill, and the lionesses at CPH Zoo were the queens of relaxation—sprawled in the sun, eyes half-closed, totally unbothered by the crowd. I love photographing lions because they’re living proof that power doesn’t have to mean action. Sometimes, power is just being so confident, you don’t need to move.
Birds: Color, Curiosity, and Personality
From jewel-bright starlings to curious lovebirds, the aviaries were buzzing with life. That metallic-green starling that glowed when the sun hit just right, the lovebird peeking from its nest box—sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impression. Birds are always a technical challenge to shoot, but when it works, you feel like you’ve caught a tiny miracle.
Meerkats: The Neighborhood Watch
Meerkats are nature’s comedians. The way they take turns standing sentry, scanning the sky, posing like professional models—it never gets old. If you’ve never tried to capture the expression of a meerkat keeping watch, trust me, it’s harder than it looks. But when you nail it, it’s worth every shot.
Penguins: Sunbathing, Preening, and Pairing Up
The penguin enclosure is always a favorite. There’s something oddly calming about watching penguins preen their feathers or sunbathe on the rocks. They move with this slow, careful dignity—until they suddenly explode into action and dive in the water.
Other Encounters: Diversity on Display
- Rhinoceros: Resting in the dust, caked with mud—a prehistoric beast taking a break from being the tank of the animal world.
- Zebras & Giraffes: The classic safari scene, only in Copenhagen. Zebras munching, giraffes kneeling down (which is always a little surreal to watch).
- Okapi: One of the zoo’s true oddities—a forest giraffe with stripes like a zebra and a face you can’t forget.
- Young Antelopes: Spring means baby animals, and I was lucky to see antelope calves nursing and napping in the grass, awkward and adorable in equal measure.
- Kangaroos: Relaxing in the sun, totally at ease, reminding me that not every animal is out to impress—the chill life is underrated.
Through the Photographer’s Eyes
Every visit to the zoo is different, and for me, it’s about finding that mix of patience, timing, and luck. Animals don’t pose for you—they just live. And you, as the photographer, have to be present, observant, and quick on the shutter. Whether I’m shooting with my Nikon D7500 or just my phone, it’s about chasing moments, not perfection.
Snacks, Sun, and Solitude
Between all the animal encounters and the constant clicking of the camera, I made sure to take breaks—sitting in the shade, refueling with whatever snacks I had packed, just soaking in the sounds and sights. There’s something almost meditative about being alone among the animals, even with a crowd around.
The Takeaway: Why I Keep Coming Back
After hours of wandering, hundreds of photos, and more than a few sunburns, I left Copenhagen Zoo feeling tired—but recharged in a way only a good zoo trip can do. Animals, photography, a bit of sun, and the freedom to just be—sometimes, that’s all you need.
Kiba Snowpaw 
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