by Carla Caruso
Animal-loving photographer Fran Mussared has shared her best photos for 2023 from her “second home” - the Adelaide Zoo in your Park 11.
Fran, who’s also known for posting awe-inspiring pics of the weather and night sky online, is a ‘frequent flyer’ at the zoo. She visits at least once a week, as well as heading to the Adelaide Botanic Garden next door.
While she loves all the zoo’s animals, she said this year “the Sumatran tiger cubs not only stole my heart but [that of] my followers as well”. Adding: “It’s been a joy to watch the cubs grow and develop their personalities.”
The first ever, critically-endangered cubs to be born at the Adelaide Zoo arrived last December, aptly during the Year of the Tiger.
Fran plans to continue to pursue her passion for photography in 2024, despite the obstacles she faces with myasthenia gravis.
The chronic autoimmune disorder can cause weakness in the arm and leg muscles, double vision, and more.
“This year has thrown up a few challenges with my health due to my myasthenia gravis,” Fran said.
“So, I’ve been developing ways to make things easier. My largest purchase was a mobility scooter.
“This will help me remain independent and allow me to [also still] access Monarto Safari Park [the sister site of Adelaide Zoo] by using its walking tracks to visit the animal platforms.
“So, [there will be] more variety of photos again with my zoo photography next year. Travelling to interstate zoos is definitely on the agenda too.”
We look forward to seeing what she captures throughout the year! In the meantime, here are some of her snaps from the Adelaide Zoo in 2023, plus a few from Monarto…
