Eerie View of Animal Realm

by Carl Macgowan on December 26, 2004 for New York Newsday

New York Newsday 12-26-04

Photographer Holly Gordon has visited the Galapagos Islands three times and is anxious to return. She loves taking pictures of wildlife on the equatorial islands 600 miles off the coast of South America.

“They’re all wonderfully interesting creatures, mostly because they evolved on their own with no interference from man,” Gordon said.

Her photographs of tortoises, iguanas, frigate birds and other critters are on display in a gallery of the new wing at the Hall of Science. Besides revealing the unique features of rare animales, the pictures appeal for protection of the islands and their inhabitants.

The former teacher from Bay Shore said one of the Galapagos’ most unique residents is a flightless cormorant: “It swims for its food. Food in the water was so abundant, it stopped flying.” But the bird can’t escape hungry dogs and cats. “Man introduced dogs and cats,” Gordon said. “What I try to do with my images . . . is to get people to be sensitive and heart-warming toward these creatures and be protective.”

Gordon said the 20 islands are “another world. Every island is different.”

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