Carl Segal moved to Columbia in 1970.  He was a serious "Zoo Buff" since the age of 11.  In 1988 he began to write and photo-illustrate a coffee table book about American zoos, and visited more than 200 zoos throughout North America and Western Europe. During these visits he took more than 150,000 photos.

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He specialized in portraits of the animals and tried to show something of their "personalities".  He also took wildlife photos (primarily waterfowl) in American national parks and reserves such as Bombay Hook, Blackwater and the Everglades.

He tried to emphasize the fact that American Zoos have undergone a revolution during the past 50 years.  They no longer keep animals in cramped, inadequate cages, but instead create exhibits that include multiple species and are naturalistic and educational.

Carl also photographed florals, landscapes and tall, impressive buildings. In addition to all of that he continued to practice psychiatry in Howard County.

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