Goofy Giraffes, Brawling Bears and Howlin' Wolves: Best of the Minnesota Zoo Photo Contest

Shutterbugs, take note. We're about halfway through the Minnesota Zoo's annual photo contest.

The photo contest began on June 1, and so far the zoo has received 185 entries. There's still time to send in a winning shot, though. Photos must be submitted by Sept. 8. Contestants should upload their entries to www.flickr.com/groups/MNZooContest13.

Adults (people aged 13 and up) are allowed to enter one photo into each of the six categories—Tropical Animals, Magnificent Minnesota, Northern Treks, Barnyard Animals, Just Keep Swimming and People and Places. Kids 12 and under can submit one shot to a category all their own, "Wild About Animals."

By Sept. 16, the field will be narrowed to 10 finalists per category. The finalists’ photographs will then be uploaded to the Zoo's Facebook fan page, where zoo fans will be able to vote for their favorite photo. The photo with the most votes in each category will be our category winner. 

The voting period ends on Sept. 22. The winners will be announced eight days later on the zoo's website and Facebook page. 

For adults, the grand prize is a $500 National Camera Exchange gift card. First prize winners will get a $100 National Camera Exchange gift card, and honorable mentions will receive a $25 gift certificate.

For kids, the first place winner will receive one complimentary week for Zoo Camp 2014. The runner up will get a zoo gift basket.