TAMPA – Charlotte “Charly” Quiñones won the 2024 Association of Zoos and Aquariums Connect Photo Contest with an image of an emerald tree boa in a coiled resting position.
She took the picture in the aquarium’s Wetlands of Florida habitat.
“Photography has always been a deep passion of mine,” Quiñones said. “Working at The Florida Aquarium has provided me with an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by fascinating animals, allowing me to integrate my love for photography into my daily work. The photo of the tree boa was captured during one of my walks through the aquarium. As I saw its vibrant colors, I stared in awe, and I knew I had to take my camera out and capture that image!”
A self-taught photographer originally from Puerto Rico, Quiñones balances her artistic pursuits through her photography business with her role as people operations manager at The Florida Aquarium.
“Through my images, I strive to capture nature’s beauty and fragility, showcasing its wonders while promoting conservation efforts,” Quiñones said. “I believe art has the power to inspire change, and I hope my photography motivates others to cherish and protect the natural world.”
The photo contest celebrates the talent of staff and volunteers at Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions. The contest drew more than 260 entries across North America.
“Through the lens of a camera, we can bring people closer to animals, their habitats and their conservation stories,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Each photo is a call to action, and we could not have been more inspired by this year’s contestants.”
