Galleries - The Daily Lobo

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PHOTOSTORY: Duck pond comes alive

May 26

The University of New Mexico Duck Pond is home to many creatures throughout the year, offering a rare space on campus to be surrounded by non-human friends. Students can find a spot on the grassy hill that looks towards the pond and notice ducks, fish and turtles swimming by. Other local bird species also find shelter and food in the Duck Pond’s many species of trees, and pigeons always stop by to greet and ask for food. If one looks closely, there is also insect life like dragonflies, hidden in the plants. During the summer, some species are spawning, like the baby ducks that can be seen swimming near their mother. Baby fish, birds and even bugs are starting their next generations at the Duck Pond. In April, sadly, a turtle passed away at the pond for reasons that are currently unknown to the Daily Lobo. Take a moment to explore the UNM Duck Pond, and see what could be living there. Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

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PHOTOSTORY: UNM’s SUB, a centerpiece for students.

May 26

The University Of New Mexico’s Student Union Building is the main space for students to get involved, grab a snack and learn about events on campus. On the lower level (or Plaza) of the SUB, activities such as the arts and craft studio, Louie’s Lounge recreation area and SUB Theater can be found. Louie’s Lounge is a great spot for gamers, as the lounge features pool tables, ping-pong, foosball, video games, and board games. In the 2nd (or Mall) level of the SUB, there are a number of good eats for students. Chick-fil-A, Dion’s Pizza, Mandalay Express, Subway, Blake’s Lotaburger and Draft & Table are all available for dining, though some stay open later than others. Along with the places for dining, a Mercado convenience store location can be found in the plaza level of the SUB. Students can find out about various clubs and chartered student organizations inside the Student Activities Center on the first floor. Offices for the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the University’s undergraduate and graduate student unions, respectively, are also housed on the plaza level. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTOSTORY: Hundreds of birds find home in Albuquerque landscapes

May 4

Albuquerque is home to many species of birds finding habitat across the city, whether they are nesting in the thousands of acres of public open space, finding shelter in the over 250 city park sites or making a home out of a city building or residential backyard. Over 300 bird species can be observed over the course of a year, according to Visit Albuquerque. Albuquerque invites both urban dwellers like mourning doves and wild birds like curved-billed thrashers and woodpeckers to coexist in the city’s diversity of landscapes. With the increasingly arid climate, bird baths provide relief for birds to drink water and bathe as they travel across expanses of urban landscape. Healthy soils provide habitat for insect life including earthworms, which birds hunt for food. Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

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PHOTOSTORY: Protesters call on PNM to ‘change their mind’ on Blackstone deal

May 4

Protesters rallied outside of PNM’s headquarters on Thursday, April 30 to protest against Blackstone Infrastructure’s proposed acquisition of PNM, calling for the utaility to “change their mind” and “say no to Blackstone” through musical lyrics. The protest coincided with a virtual Public Regulation Commission hearing, during which lawyers representing PNM and Blackstone argued that TXNM’s $400 million stock sale without PRC approval did not violate state law, according to Source NM. In a statement to the Daily Lobo, Vice President of Investor and Community Relations for PNM Lisa Goodman wrote a response to the protest. “We respect their right to protest. We respectfully disagree with their factually inaccurate assertions,” the Goodman statement reads. Community organizer Sarah Bradley was among those protesting outside of PNM’s headquarters, and said she thinks it’s an “outrage” that New Mexico’s public services are “potentially being sold off to private equity.” “I hope that the PRC represents the people of New Mexico, and not billionaires and their lies," Bradley said. “These are the things that should be in control of the people, by the people's representatives. These are not the kinds of things that should be under the control of some billionaire 2,000 miles away.” The PRC hearing came after attorneys for the nonprofit Prosperity Works filed a motion requesting that Blackstone and its affiliate Troy TopCo LP — who made the $400 million purchase — be ordered to show why the transaction without prior authorization from the PRC did not violate the New Mexico Public Utilities Act, which states that PRC approval is required. Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

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PHOTO STORY: Warm welcomes to UNM’s newest ducklings

May 4

Upon first entering the Duck Pond, visitors may be shocked at the absence of some of our feathered friends. However, after some time exploring or even just waiting around for a bit, visitors may come across the newest little family of 10 ducklings at the University of New Mexico. Duck Pond goers may often notice them following their mother around as they swim through the pond or up against the edge as they get curious about the wall. If they’re lucky, visitors can find them cuddled up together resting on top of rocks on the north east side of the pond. Preston Rogers is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @PrestonRog84055

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Union members gather for May Day on Civic Plaza

May 4

Correction: The following quote was inaccurately attributed to Amy Hulshoff: 'We’re the ones that make the university run, we need the financial support to focus on our studies and doing the best jobs we can as students and as educators, because we really do love our university and we wanna be able to do the best job we can, and we can’t work if we can’t eat.' Samantha Higgins, not Hulshoff, said it. The error was made in editing. As hundreds of workers and members of local union organizations gathered on Civic Plaza, the trade union anthem “Soilidarity Forever” was sung before marching in recognition of International Workers Day, which falls every year on May 1. Among the union organizations present were the United Graduate Workers of the University of New Mexico and United Academics of UNM. UNM graduate students Mark Campbell and Samantha Higgins were tabling with UGW-UNM, and said their union was at the May Day event to show solidarity with other workers and asking community members to call on UNM interim provost Barbara Rodriguez to support their demands for higher wages. “Grad workers are a part of the working class community here in Albuquerque,” Campbell said. “Workers are what makes the city run, workers are what makes the world run, and so events like this are super important to show solidarity.” UNM PhD student Amy Hulshoff expressed frustration about her minimal salary raise over seven years with an increased workload, saying that her tuition-paying undergraduate students are being “ripped off,” in her introductory art class. “(My students) are supposedly paying the same that they would get from a tenured professor but they're getting this like, ‘half teacher,’ right?” Hulshoff said. Higgins said more financial support is needed for graduate workers to be able to focus on their studies and do the best they can as educators. "We’re the ones that make the university run, Higgins said. "We really do love our university and we wanna be able to do the best job we can, and we can’t work if we can’t eat.” Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

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PHOTO STORY: The ‘GOATS’ of ecosystem restoration

May 4

On Saturday, May 2, the Open Space Visitor Center in Albuquerque hosted “Goat Grazing at the OSVC,” a community event where attendees interacted with goats and learned how goat grazing can help with land maintenance . Visitors admired and held goats from Habitat Farms, a local farming company. The event also brought community members together with younger goats, whose ages ranged from five days to two weeks old, to learn about different goat breeds, characteristics and how to care for goats. Maria Fernandez is the copy editor at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque community creates handmade ‘kites for Gaza’

May 4

“If I Must Die,” a poem written by Palestinian professor and writer Refaat Alareer, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in North Gaza, inspired Albuquerque community members to launch a large-scale art project. The ongoing project involves the making of 21,907 origami kites to honor the children who have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza between Oct. 7, 2023 and September, 2025. “If I must die, you must live, to tell my story, to sell my things, to buy a piece of cloth, and some strings, (make it white with a long tail),” the poem reads. Palestinian American and local business owner of Noor Sweets and Eats Antoinette Khader helped make several of the kites. “(The kites) bring humanity to the children that were killed in Gaza, so (the project) helps to process the grief and to really realize these are actual people,” Khader said. “They're not just numbers.” Each kite is printed with the name and age of a child who was killed. “So that a child, somewhere in Gaza, while looking heaven in the eye, awaiting his dad who left in a blaze, and bid no one farewell, not even to his flesh, not even to himself, sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above,” the poem reads. Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

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PHOTO STORY: A Mother’s Day celebration at El Vado Motel

May 8

Mother’s Day celebrations started early at El Vado Motel with the “In Her Mom Era” Mother’s Day Market, filling their courtyard with homegoods, food, jewelry and crafts from local businesses, on Saturday, May 2. The event welcomed all ages with free entry. For some guests, the market served as the perfect spot to spend a laidback day with family or find those special, last-minute gifts for Mother’s Day. Visitors had a variety of choices available for food and drinks, as the market hosted vendors with a matcha bar, pastries and michoacana snacks. Live music was performed throughout the market, by artists Anything But That Band and Gilbert Uribe, who are both local to Albuquerque. Lexis Lovato is a beat reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis

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PHOTO STORY: Lobopalooza provides fun & distraction for students before finals

May 4

The spring carnival known as Lobopalooza arrived at University of New Mexico Cornell Mall on Wednesday, April 29. During the event, students unwinded with a variety of activities including mini golf, bungee trampolines, inflatable obstacle courses, food, a dunk tank and more. For those looking for artistry, there was a balloon artist and a face paint section. One of the other events included a version of darts with soccer, with an inflated target dart board where people would try to kick soccer balls to hit a bullseye. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: Lindy’s Diner collapses after nearly 100 years on Route 66

May 4

On Monday, April 27, the Bliss Building, which houses the historic Lindy’s Diner, suffered a partial collapse. The building famously stood along Route 66 for 97 years of restaurant business, as Lindy’s Diner was established in 1929, but under the name Coney Island Cafe. The restaurant was renamed as Lindy’s Diner in 1960, and has remained a staple destination in Albuquerque since. Lindy’s Diner has been visited by many celebrities includingJason Isaacs, Alice Eve, Jonathan Banks and Danny Trejo. The vintage atmosphere in the diner is one of their most memorable aspects of the restaurant, in addition to their renowned burgers and other New Mexican style dishes. On April 20, following multiple safety inspections, the building was red-tagged and issued an emergency shutdown order due to concerns about potential structural collapse, according to the City of Albuquerque. Currently, the building and surrounding areas are blocked off by city officials due to ongoing structural instability and safety concerns and monitored by the Albuquerque Police Department as the next steps are determined for the building. Lexis Lovato is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis

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PHOTO STORY: Rio Grande already dry as summer approaches

May 4

When some people hear the name Rio Grande, they might expect a river filled with water. But as they get closer, it becomes clearer that is not the case. Compared to past years, there is very little water because of the lack of rain or snow this year. The river had areas where the bottom was visibly dry. In some sections, the water had receded over 20 feet from the normal width of the river. When walking around, there were only a few patches of grass that were green; most of the grass was dry and dying. Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: Lowriders roll into Albuquerque Rail Yards

May 4

On Saturday, May 2, the Cinco De Mayo Lowrider Fiesta at the Albuquerque Rail Yards brought together families, car enthusiasts and community members for a lively gathering. Rows of customized lowriders — featuring highly detailed paint, chrome finishes and hydraulic systems — filled the space and drew a steady crowd throughout the day. With over 150 cars and several motorcycles on display, visitors stopped by to take photos and talk with owners about their cars. From classic Chevrolets and Cadillacs to newer builds, each car was meticulously maintained by their owners. Live music was provided and a variety of food and merchandise vendors were present. People of all ages came together in this welcoming space, celebrating one of Albuquerque’s most unique traditions and making good use of the historic Rail Yards. George Slad is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @SladGeorge

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Turkish Festival celebrates with music and cuisine

May 4

Close to the heart of civilization, Turkey’s culinary community is well known for its inventions including the doner kebab or shawarma. These colorful dishes were on full display at the Albuquerque Turkish Festival on Saturday, May 2. During the festival, participants were serenaded by the Bağlama, a Turkish stringed instrument typically played traditional music. Camillo Cretara is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: Lobos taken out by Aggies in extra innings thriller

May 4

The University of New Mexico Lobos returned home to Santa Ana Star Field, after a tough series in Washington State, to face their in-state rivals, the New Mexico State Aggies, on Tuesday, April 28. The third time would not be a charm for UNM, as they came up short 16-15 in a wild, back and forth 10-inning slugfest. The Lobos needed an answer, down 3 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and they would retake the lead 10-9, but New Mexico State tied it up at the top of the eighth to send the game to extra innings. The 10th inning was madness, as the Aggies scored 6 runs. Once again, Lobos needed an answer, which came from infielder/outfielder Antonio Gianni, who hit a grand slam with the bases loaded. However, it would not be enough, as the Lobos would lose 16-15. The Lobos went on to lose their series 2-1 against the Air Force Academy Falcons, and will be traveling to Phoenix to play Grand Canyon University Friday to Sunday, May 8-10. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: This spring, bees make campus their home

May 4

When walking through campus, students, staff, faculty and visitors might hear a loud buzzing noise coming from the flowers that dot the university’s landscape. The noise, heard most prominently around Johnson Center, comes from hundreds of ground bees. Some larger and more colorful bumblebees can also be found, though not buzzing quite as loudly as the ground bees when in flight. They appear more calm, illustrated by their proximity to a busy area like the Student Union Building. Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo

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PHOTO STORY: 2026 Downtown Growers Market celebrates local food, art, Ositos

April 28

This year’s spring once again brought the Downtown Growers Market to Albuquerque. On Saturday, April 25, it attracted crowds of people and vendor tents. The event hosted a variety of goods including harvested vegetables, prepared food and arts and crafts. People also enjoyed live music by Robb Janov. The market also hosted the Learners Chess non-profit organization, which teaches and encourages children to play chess. The organization brought chess sets and tables, where adults and kids alike played the game. Paulina Acosta-Marta is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

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PHOTO STORY: UNM Kiva Club celebrates 67th annual Nizhoni Days Powwow

April 27

The Nizhoni Days Powwow was filled with many different tribes and nations representing their culture on Sunday, April 26. The Pow ow, which took place on the University of New Mexico’s Johnson Field, was a gathering place for people as far as North Dakota. The Pow Wow included many different performances. Attendees could also walk around and see the many vendors selling things including jewelry, pottery, blankets and other handmade crafts. Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

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PHOTO STORY: Flamenco performance tells story

April 17

On March 25-28, the CNM Theater and Dance Department performed “Heart Song,” a comedy-drama play that follows Rochelle, a middle-aged Jewish woman in New York City struggling to find herself after the passing of her mother. The two-act performance, written by Stephen Sachs and directed and choreographed by Bridgit Lujan, tells Rochelle’s story as she is convinced by a friend to take a flamenco class, and although hesitant at first, begins to discover her own inner voice as she develops friendship and sisterhood within a circle of women who share struggles of their own. The play featured a mix of acting, dancing and flamenco music performed by musician Marco de Waart.

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PHOTO STORY: Canada geese make a stop at the Duck Pond

April 8

A few Canada geese made a pit stop at the Duck Pond to greet its occupants and take a splash in the pond. Students quietly studying on the lawn the Duck Pond were briefly interrupted by ruffling feathers and a wholesome gaze from dark and shiny, beady eyes. The geese, showing no fear of the students, walked casually to the shore of the pond where they were startled by a small child who tried to pet them. Canada geese started their migration journeys in February, heading northbound for the summer where they breed according to NPR, and will continue migration into May. Canada goose populations have been increasing in urban areas for over 50 years, partly due to habitat loss. The Duck Pond welcomes geese to relax and bond with the ducks … and students. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

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