The Keepers at the Houston Zoo work to enrich the lives of the animals in their care every day by introducing fun, interesting and complex activities, such as painting, to the animals’ daily routine.
Animals enjoy painting using non-toxic paint on canvas and a little help from their keepers to create their very own masterpieces. From paw prints to broad brush strokes, each artists’ creation is one of a kind.
Included in Your Purchase
- Unmatted flat canvas
- A photo of the animal artist with a short biography
- Shipping & Handling *international freight may accrue extra postal fees
*Please make all purchases by December 11th to ensure arrival before or by December 25th
Artist Profile
Orangutans
Our orangutan family enjoys painting and each work of art represents the temperament of the artists. Rudi loves to paint and often stops for “inspiration breaks” to enjoy his favorite treats. Kelly is observant and has incredible patience. Cheyenne is smart, strong-willed and though she is the oldest orangutan at the Houston Zoo, she is the youngest at heart. Whether using gentle brush strokes, bold finger marks or occasionally various mixed mediums – their artwork is guaranteed to be one of a kind.
Art by Orangutans
Size: 16×20
$225
*Note: Colors on screen may appear brighter than the painting you will receive.
Size: 11×14
$175
*Note: Colors on screen may appear brighter than the painting you will receive.
Artist Profile
Lions
Each piece of art reflects the personality of our lion sisters and their special bond with their animal care team. Mattie, largest of the sisters, loves swimming in the moat and playing with enrichment. Nimue is known for mischief and is very curious. Uzima is the feisty one in the group and she likes to start games of chase with her sisters. With their unique style of painting, it’s not unusual for these masterpieces to have paw prints, tail swipes and the occasional lick mark from their tongue.
Art by Lion Pride
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"Lost in Lavender" by Mattie
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"Lilac Dreams" by Mattie
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"Fierce" by Mattie
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"Blue Phase" by Uzima
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"On The Prowl" by Uzima
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"Cloud Runner" by Hasani and Uzima
Artist Profile
Asian Elephants
Our Asian elephant herd loves to paint, and they each have their own unique style. Gently holding a paint brush with their trunks, they sweep paint across the canvas to create one of a kind works of art. Everyone gets in on the fun- even our patriarch Thailand. Painting is a great way that our animal care team creates meaningful relationships with each of our elephants and we love to see what creations they come up with.
Art by our Elephant Herd
Artist Profile
Shasta
Celebrate your University of Houston fan with a painting made my Shasta himself! Like his counterparts in the wild, Shasta loves to climb and can often be seen high up on the rocks basking in the sunshine. Shasta’s unique relationship and trust in his animal care team makes for dynamic paintings, full of movement, paw prints and swirls.
Art by Shasta
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"Delicate Steps" by Shasta
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"Treetop Climber" by Shasta
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"Pouncing Power" by Shasta
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"Paws and Claws" by Shasta
Artist Profile
Tarak and Suksun: Clouded Leopards
Tarak and Suksun came to the Houston Zoo in 2012 and as natural climbers can often be found high up in their exhibit. They are pros at painting with their paws to make unique shapes and patterns. Their delicate paw prints can be seen in every piece of art they create.
Art by Clouded Leopards
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"Fancy Feet" by Tarak and Suksun
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"Galaxy" by Tarak and Suksun
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"Perfect Paws" by Tarak
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"Meadow Stream" by Tarak
Artist Profile
Belle and Willow: American Black Bear
Belle and Willow came to the Houston Zoo in 2013 from California where they were being fed by patrons of a restaurant and appeared to be orphaned. US Fish and Wildlife rescued them and asked the Houston Zoo if we could offer them a home. Belle, the larger of the two, can often be seen playing in the pool and rough-housing with Willow. Willow is the mastermind behind the brawn of Belle. She is smaller and enjoys engaging with her enrichment. Their artwork is dramatic and eye-catching, with paw prints that can be seen across the canvas.
Art by Belle and Willow
Animal Profile
Gorillas
Using a modified paint brush that has an elongated handle, our gorillas love to make interesting art pieces that are more than meets the eye. Mike likes to make circular wisps on the canvas, while Chaka’s painting is light and gentle. Each work of art showcases the gorillas special bond with their animal care team.
Art by Gorillas
Size: 11×14
$175
*Note: Colors on screen may appear brighter than the painting you will receive
Size: 16×20
$225
*Note: Colors on screen may appear brighter than the painting you will receive
Artist Profile
Berani: Malayan Tiger
Berani is 6 years old and joined the Houston Zoo family in 2016. Evidence of Berani’s powerful paws are found in every piece of art he creates. By walking through the paint he leaves a trail of beautiful paw prints, and the occasional tail swipe.
Art by Berani
Artist Profile
Goats
Everyone has a favorite a goat when visiting the Children’s Zoo, and now you can own an original masterpiece from these talented artists. Bono is a natural at being the center of attention while Seamus is a wild child, always entering the scene with gusto. Simon is calm and stoic and can usually be found sitting on top of the climbing structures. Each piece is full of color and movement and is a unique representation of our goat artists.
Art by Goats
Artist Profile
Cheetahs
It’s not unusual to see Dash & Dinari or Kito & Kiburi enjoying early morning walks with their animal care team before the Zoo opens to the public. One-on-one interactions like these walks, along with opportunities to create one of a kind art pieces, strengthens the relationship between our cheetahs and their Zoo keepers. Beginning with a blank canvas, the brothers walk through the non-toxic paint and create dynamic paintings with their large paws (and the occasional tail swipe).
Art by Cheetahs
Artist Profile
Rainbo: Ecelectus Parrot
Born here at the Houston Zoo in 1991, Rainbo is a wonderful ambassador to his species and is often seen during special events at the Zoo. He uses a paintbrush, held in his beak, and moves his head to create streaks of paint on the canvas. He is very deliberate about where he places the paint on the canvas and often leans away eyeing it critically before adding more paint to his masterpieces.
Art by Rainbo the Parrot
Purchase a Custom Painting
Choose your favorite artist and have a custom painting made just for you based on your color choices. Each painting is unique and each artist has his or her very different techniques. Paintings will be shipped within six weeks after you order.
$250 per painting
16 x 20 flat canvas
Choose Your Artist
Tiger
While walking across a canvas, evidence of Berani’s large, powerful paws are found in every piece he creates. The artwork is a true testament to Berani’s strong relationship with his animal care team.
Orangutan
Kelly and the rest of our orangutan family enjoy painting and each work of art represents the temperament of the artists. Whether using gentle brush strokes, bold finger marks or occasionally various mixed mediums – their artwork is guaranteed to be one of a kind.
Elephant
Using their dexterous trunks and an elephant sized artist’s palette, our elephant herd creates paintings that are true works of art.