This photograph captures a rare and trusting moment between me and a raccoon at Orøstrand, taken back in April 2010. In this shot, I'm feeding the raccoon a piece of dog food, a simple yet meaningful interaction that speaks volumes about the bond I formed with the animals during my time at this unique petting zoo. The image was taken with my Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, a camera that was my reliable companion during those days.

Orøstrand holds a special place in my heart, not just because I was once one of the kids, but because it later became a place where I pursued my education as a zookeeper. Under the guidance of master teachers at Orøstrand, I learned the intricacies of animal care, developing a deep respect and understanding of the animals I worked with. This raccoon was one of the many animals I got to know well, and this image is a reflection of the mutual trust that developed between us.

Working in the enclosures with these animals was never something I took lightly. While I am not afraid of any of the animals, I have always maintained a deep respect for them, fully aware of the dangers they can pose. This respect is crucial for anyone working closely with animals, especially in a setting like a petting zoo, where the animals are used to human interaction but still retain their wild instincts.

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, though not the most advanced camera, was perfect for capturing moments like this. Its 20x optical zoom and effective image stabilization allowed me to get up close to the animals without disturbing them, capturing the natural behavior and expressions that make each animal unique. The camera’s durability also made it a great choice for the often unpredictable environment of a zoo.

Looking at this image brings back memories of those days spent learning, observing, and interacting with the animals at Orøstrand. It's a reminder of the importance of building trust with animals and the incredible experiences that can come from it.