23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Just Chillin' Out

This is the main male Polar Bear at the San Diego Zoo. He is very active, and climbs up on the concrete near the viewing window and then backflips into the water and swims around. Then paddles back to the viewing window area and does it again. You can see the Total Relaxation on his face. Paws folded; just flopping those monster feet enough to keep moving. This is a study in how to relax and get away from all those people.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: San Diego, California, United States of America
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Richard Fox