> I notice in the photographs on the linked site that some of the animals have leashes on
> them--is part of the tour fences-free access to animals?
If the sanctuary has babies at the time of a tour, then usually they do bring them out to play with the guests and for photo ops. Since babies come and go, this is not guaranteed.
Fence-free access to Zar (750 lb siberian tiger), Simba (a very big male lion, usually grouchy) and Diablo (male black jaguar who is the scariest animal at the Sanctuary....his growl is enough to make you wet your pants, and that's behind a fence!)? Somehow I don't think you would really want to do that, and for obvious reasons, that would not be permitted!
> Are there going to be many chances to get photos without wire-mesh in them?
Yes. Many of the enclosures have 6" mesh fencing, so it's easy to get a lens through and get clean shots. WIth the smaller chain link fencing, you can typically eliminate the fencing by having the lens right up to the wire. Participants will be literally within a foot or two of some of the animals, if they choose to come close and get friendly, which is why these tours will be supervised and such close access is not available to general guest tours, which have to stay behind the setback fences.
> How much time will we have to photograph each animal?
That depends on the animals. They don't all pose every time I'm there, but with over a hundred (16 siberian tigers, 8 lions, 8 cougars, 2 black jaguars and many smaller cats and other animals), some are always "posing" and in good position. If an animal is grouchy, we won't press them (this is a sanctuary after all), but move on to the next animal/enclosure. In my two years of photography there, I have always had some animals perfectly positioned, but you can never predict which ones will be good for photo ops on a particular day. The tour will be 2 - 2.5 hours, which will typically provide a photographer with many hundreds of shots, and quite a few spectacular ones.
> Will the tour be conducted in the late afternoon for better light?
One at 10:30 and another at 2:30. Some of the enclosures are under a lot of shade in the summer, so trying to shoot too late doesn't work due to the nature of the facility.
> What exactly, does the wildlife centre include in their definition of 'commercial use' and > what are their terms for said use?
This is still being worked on, but basically if you make money off photos of the animals, we feel that the animals should get a cut, in order to help feed/care for them. This is a non-profit, charitable organization and the purpose of the tours (should we decide to have them) is to raise funds for the care of the animals. Sounds fair to me. The animals would have to be portrayed in a positive light and images could not be used in conjunction with any known animal-rights activist organizations.
> I think all these questions weigh into whether it is worthwhile, as opposed to staying
> in Toronto and going to the zoo--which I can do anytime that it is open, without any
> restrictions on the use of my photos, for less, with less driving.
When was the last time that the Toronto Zoo allowed you to get within feet of a full grown lion or siberian tiger, or play with baby cubs?
I've taken shots of some of the tigers from inches away with my 12-24mm lens. Interesting effect. Can you do that at the Toronto Zoo?
Please note the above are rhetorical questions, since I've photographed at the Toronto Zoo myself...it's a wonderful zoo. But it's a zoo...not a sanctuary, and it's nowhere near as intimate and personal as Bear Creek.
If you are a subscriber to the LL-VJ, the last issue had a portfolio review of some of my images, including some typical photos that are possible at Bear Creek. Most people agree that you cannot get such shots at a typical zoo, unless you know someone "inside" the organization.
The point of this is to have a win/win all the way round. Photographers get "up close and personal" access to exotic animals that is rarely available anywhere else, and a phenomenal experience (regardless of the photography) while supporting a noble and worthwhile cause.
When we get all the details sorted out (which as I noted in my post, we haven't since this is just an idea under discussion and may never come to fruition), you'll be able to make a better call on whether you think it's worthwhile or not.
