Hey there! Today, we're diving into some seriously goofy and adorable animal portraits by photographer Greg Murray. He’s captured all sorts of critters - from peanut-butter-loving pups to sassy raccoons - and every single one nailed their close-ups. Ready to meet your new favorite animal models? Let’s go!
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"'Oh, hey there.' Meet Jolene of Whispering Acres Farm in Medina! Give them a visit! Besides monetary donations, they're always looking for volunteers."
"Meet two rescued raccoons who stopped by for their glam session. Trash cans beware! But seriously, look at those faces.
Here’s a quick raccoon 101: 1) They can twist their back feet all the way around to climb down trees like ninjas. 2) Their front paws are super sensitive - like tiny hands that can feel stuff in the dark. 3) The name 'raccoon' means 'he scratches with his hands.' 4) They chat in 50+ different ways - purrs, growls, chirps, you name it. 5) Their cute 'mask' actually helps them see better at night. Rescue animals rock!"
"Had a blast hanging with some skunks at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History! Here’s what I learned:
1) Skunks once sprayed our dogs and it was a nightmare (for everyone). 2) Their family name literally means 'stinky' - and yep, they're serious about that smell. 3) Those stripes? They point straight to where the spray comes from. 4) They spray because they're night creatures and don’t run fast - smell attack for the win! 5) Their spray can hit targets 15 feet away with eagle-like precision. 6) Beware, their spray can irritate eyes and blind predators briefly. Skunks: not to be messed with!"
"Let's give it up for opossums! These guys have hung around since the dinos, survive snake venom like champs, and clean up the neighborhood by gobbling pests and trash. They aren’t rodents - they’re the only native marsupials in North America! Oh, and if scared, they fake their own death so well even the best actor would be jealous. Nature’s little comedians!"
"A day on the farm is a selfie paradise! Highland cows rocking the shag, alpacas throwing curious glances, horses showing off their grace, and chickens acting like they own the place. Seriously, farm life looks this good all the time."
"Gypsy, the rescue fox from Fox Tale Sanctuary, shows us all how to work the camera with style. She’s got that wild spirit and model vibes all in one package."
"Say hi to Lance! He’s hanging out at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and stealing hearts one quill at a time. If you see him, tell him Greg says hi!"
"Had a blast snapping pics of Mango, the rescued bunny. That face? Instant happiness overload."
"Meet Murray, Cleveland’s very own Buckeye Chuck! Fun fact: Groundhog Day started in Pennsylvania, and it’s all about a little critter predicting how long winter sticks around. Murray’s just doing his weather thing, but with more style."
"Check out Professor, the Eastern Screech Owl chilling at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. These owls are basically ninja night hunters - they swoop, they hoot, they look like little tree branches when threatened. Plus, they’ve got 20 different nicknames - talk about an identity crisis!"
"Heathcliff is up for adoption and is basically the friendliest fluffball you’ll ever meet. Perfect for your high school kid or anyone who needs a loyal pal!"
"Why are ducks great detectives? Because they always quack the case. Olive here agrees - she’s the pun-niest detective around."
"Photographing Penelope made me fall in love with horses all over again. Horses and humans have this magical bond, and she sure knows how to show it off. Plus, farm life vibes forever."
"Here are some of my good friends from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Each one’s got their own special personality and charm."
"Sullivan the Gecko can’t help but look fabulous every time he’s on camera. Natural model vibes, all day!"
"Who would’ve thought I’d one day have my own studio and shoot a rescue squirrel there? If you told me that 14 years ago, I’d probably laugh. But here we are, and that little squirrel totally rocked its photoshoot!"
"Had one of those days where I wanted to kidnap all the animals I met! These are One, Guns, and Roses, some adorable Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Sure, dogs are my fave, but baby goats? Next level cuteness!"
"Meet the tiniest marsupial guest to ever visit my studio - an 8-week-old rescue opossum. This little one totally stole the show and will be making its art debut soon!"
"Ever wonder what a balled up hedgehog looks like from below? Bet you didn't think of this angle!"
"Over my 11 years snapping pictures, five rescue squirrels have been wild and wonderful studio guests. They’re super speedy, love their snacks, and totally chill with humans after a few weeks of hanging out."
"Meet Kenny Froggins, the chillest tree frog to ever grace my studio. With sticky toe pads to cling anywhere and waxy skin to dodge dryness, he’s the frog equivalent of a cool cucumber. Plus, he hunts bugs at night and could live for 20 years if treated right!"
"Say hi to the beautiful Blue Tongued Skink! They flash their bright blue tongues to scare off predators. Don’t let their chill look fool you - they mean business when it’s defense time."
"Opossums are the ultimate night scavengers, munching on insects, eggs, small animals, fruits, and even some garbage if they're feeling adventurous. They're nature's cleanup crew with appetites for just about everything!"
"If adopting a rescue bunny is your plan, meet Binky! She’s waiting for you at the Animal Welfare League in Trumbull and can’t wait to bounce into your heart."
"Meet Jelly Bean, the rescued hedgehog with serious cuteness and an attitude only a hedgehog can pull off."
"From the shaggy Highland cow giving serious ‘don’t mess with me’ vibes to the curious alpaca checking out the camera, plus horsey elegance and chicken chatters - it’s farm life done cute."
"Say hey to Harold the goat, who’s clearly mastered the art of living the good life at Whispering Acres Farm."
"Fanny the rescue rabbit wants everyone to know that rabbits aren’t just cute gifts - they need space, attention, special diets, and vet care. Over 80% of Easter bunnies end up in shelters, so please do your homework before bringing one home."
"Meet Donna! When a dog owner said he had chickens, I couldn’t resist photographing some feathered friends. They surprised me by being super well-behaved and totally stole the show!"
"Meet Mojito - the barnmate who snuck into my heart during a shoot at his cozy home in Kirtland, Ohio. Horses have their own kind of magic, and this one’s got plenty."
"Vincent’s story is wild - a dog brought him in its mouth like a prized catch! Thankfully, Vincent was safe and found a loving home with an expert reptile handler. Talk about a narrow escape and a sweet comeback."
"Sparky’s a parrot who knows exactly who to hang out with. He trusted me enough to chill on my shoulder and be the life of the studio. Parrots can be picky pals, but Sparky? Total sweetheart."
"Ever seen a mini alligator? That’s a caiman! They live all over Central and South America, can tolerate salty water, and have a menu that includes fish and sometimes even jaguars (talk about dinner drama). Some caimans are top of the food chain, while others try not to become dinner themselves."
"Chameleons aren’t just color changers - they’re mood ring masters! Plus, their crazy eye moves let them look in two spots at once. Their crazy tongue can shoot out twice their length in a blink. And their tails? Like a fifth arm. Slow, sneaky, and super cool."
"I found out today some frogs have teeth! Meet Gordy, the African Bullfrog, who has fang-like things on his bottom jaw to help him hold onto prey. Scientists say frogs can be toothy, toothless, or fang-tastic, but Gordy’s got it all going on."
"Meet Pickles and Juneau - Juneau’s the fluffy senior dog boss, and Pickles is the iguana who found a loving home from a local restaurant. Together, they’re the ultimate odd couple with all the fluff and scales."
"Darwin, the African Grey Parrot, is a master of trust. Parrots can be super picky about who gets close, but Darwin welcomed me into his crew. Score!"
"Meet Kermit the Galah - pink and gray feathers, loud personality, and a long lifespan. Don’t expect a quiet buddy, but do expect endless entertainment!"
"Meet Coco, the blue and gold macaw who knows how to make an entrance - with some serious volume! These birds flock together and chat up a storm to claim their turf and chat with friends. Don’t forget your earplugs!"
"Reptiles might not be everyone’s first pick for a photoshoot, but I’ve grown up around them, and they’re fantastic for photos. Their details and colors? Chef’s kiss for the camera."
"Meet Simon! Between his dazzling colors and playful head bobs, he’s a natural in front of the lens. Parrots that can fly are a challenge to shoot, but I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve for that."
"Did you know? Iguanas can drop their tails if grabbed or stressed, and the tail might grow back looking way cooler - smoother, narrower, and darker."
"Wait, that’s not a dog! Say hi to Dex, the chameleon with a serious case of mistaken identity. But hey, he’s just as cool as any pup!"

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