So how easy is it to get a professional baseball player and a zoo animal together for one great shot? Believe it or not -- it was much easier than you would imagine. Not to say feathers weren't ruffled or nature didn't call, but for the most part, the experience was an all-around positive one for those players, coached and animals involved.
In a photo that didn't make the cut, here is Paul Wilson playing with a lion cub. (Reds photo)
Patrons of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden were a bit surprised to find a few of the zoo's inhabitants posing in front of a camera with professional athletes. On Aug. 13, the zoo teamed up with the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund (CRCF) and a handful of Cincinnati Reds players to begin shooting for a 2003-2004 calendar featuring both the players and the animals.
"It's great to see two Cincinnati traditions coming together for such a positive cause for the community," said Thane Maynard, vice president of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. "The historical significance of the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Reds will really make the calendar both unique and something to treasure for years to come."
Players arrived for the first shoot on Wednesday morning and were whisked away to two separate shooting locations. Leading off the shoot in the Wings of Wonder Theater were Barry Larkin and the hawk, followed by Bullpen Coach Tom Hume and the sea eagle. Up next were Ray Olmedo and Ruben Mateo with a couple parrots, while Wily Mo Pena and a baby penguin followed. Brian Reith partnered up with the emu, and rounding out the lineup were Juan Castro and the owl.
You probably envision birds squeaking, feathers flying and players walking away with faces pecked. Not so. Well, the emu did take a few shots at Reith's hand, and the sea eagle did initially attempt to fly away as soon as Hume came near, but the exceptional staff and trainers at the zoo were prepared to handle any situation and were able to calm the animals' nerves enough to get a shot.
Aside from the potto using Russell Branyan's bat as a restroom facility, the shoot in the zoo's centroid lawn went just as well. Along with Branyan and the potto, John Riedling and a baby alligator cuddled up for a few shots. "I think it's neat the way everybody here turned out and showed up and was able to donate a little bit of their time and effort into getting stuff like this done.
I think this is the first one and maybe it can be an annual thing for the Reds because it's something that's pretty unique and everybody had a good time doing it." said team captain, Barry Larkin.
Day two brought just as much success. Leading off the day's shoot were Paul Wilson and Danny Graves with the baby mountain lions, followed by Jason LaRue and the serval, while Corky Miller and an Anatolian shepherd dog finished off the day's shoot.
The shoot became more of a family affair on Thursday, as LaRue, Sullivan, Wilson and Miller brought family members and friends to join in on the fun. Although most were not able to participate in the shoot, Tyler LaRue did get a chance to snap a few with his dad and the serval, while the shepherd dog made a few new friends before being called to duty.
"It was a great experience," said Sullivan. "The zoo personnel were tremendous. I thought they were very easy to work with, very cooperative.
"Anytime you can become more educated on anything, especially wildlife and the way the zoo works, is good. My family and I go the zoo half a dozen times a year at least. We're big fans of the zoo having small children. It's really a big asset to the community."
The calendar is a product of CRCF's continuous fundraising efforts. The proceeds will be split amongst the zoo's charitable foundation and CRCF, with all earnings for CRCF going directly to the Reds Rookie Success League.
"I am quite sure the 2003-2004 Cincinnati Reds Community Fund/Cincinnati Zoo Calendar will be a huge success," said Michael Ringering, president of CRCF. "Although the project was quite a challenge, it was a lot of fun, as well. I think the Reds players who participated had a tremendous time posing with the animals and will be looking forward to doing another calendar in 2005. We greatly appreciate all those who helped make this project a success."
Make sure you get your very own collectable calendar before they are all gone! Red's Season ticket holders receive a $3 discount, look for your zoo order form in your renewal package. In addition, zoo members also receive a $3 discount for each calendar purchased at the Cincinnati Zoo gift shop.
Calendars will be available for purchase at 2004 Redsfest (12/5 & 12/6) at the Reds Community Fund booth at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The following outlets will have calendars after December 9:
Teams 
Community
