On a warm summer’s day at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. there were only a few animals stirring. Most of them were human. But among the animal kingdom:

A clouded leopard yawned, then fell back to sleep.

Nearby, a fish cat snoozed on its perch.

But the birds were more awake. The emu was inquisitive.

The white-naped cranes called one another

The flamingoes were out in force.

The Kori Bustard posed. The burrowing owl was looking for dinner.

The elephant was a huge hit. Suggestion: if  you want to visit the zoo, go at dusk or early in the day. Lesson learned.