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
Artist Profile
Special Edition: Holiday Ornaments
It’s time to deck the halls with our one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments, sure to please even the hardest to buy for family member. Each ceramic ornament is painted by one of our talented animal artists and comes with a printed photo. It’s sure to be a keepsake for years to come.
Ornaments
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Holiday Ornament: Kamia- Sea Lion
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Holiday Ornament: Naked Mole Rats
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Holiday Ornament: Denver- Blue and Gold Macaw
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Holiday Ornament: Gorillas- Leom, Henry and TJ
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Holiday Ornament: Methai- Elephant
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Holiday Ornament: Baylor- Elephant
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Holiday Ornament: Max and Jonah- Sea Lions
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Holiday Ornament: Cali- Sea Lion
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Holiday Ornament: Cali- Sea Lion
Artist Profile
Noah- Baird's Tapir
To celebrate our opening of the new South America’s Pantanal exhibit our talented Tapir, Noah, has created some one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Noah was born in Nashville, TN, but has been at the Houston Zoo since 2011. Baird’s tapirs, like Noah, are currently endangered. There are only about 5000 Baird’s tapirs left in the wild. Noah has played an important part in saving his species by fathering two calves at the Houston Zoo. He creates his paining’s by using his dexterous nose to move paint around on a canvas for some very expressive artwork.
Art by Noah
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 Elephants
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"Mardi Gras" by Tucker
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"Having a Ball" by Tucker
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"Sunrise" by Tupelo
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Photo Mat: Baylor
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Photo Mat: Methai
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Photo Mat: Tess
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Photo Mat: Tess
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"Modern Muse" by Methai
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"A Little Dirt Never Hurt" by Tupelo
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"Summertime Breeze" by Tess
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"Passion for Purple" by Tucker
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"Green Scene" by Duncan
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"Streaks of Sunlight" by Methai
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"Warmer Weather" by Methai
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"Summer Blooms" by Tess
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"Water Lily Pond" by Duncan
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"Sunburst" by Shanti
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"Tranquil Breeze" by Shanti
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
Gorillas
The keepers at the Houston Zoo work to enrich the lives of the animals in their care every day by adding interesting and complex activities to their daily routines. Enrichment activities are fun for both animals and keepers, and painting is an engaging activity that our Gorillas enjoy. Mike is known for leaving his signature circular wisps on the canvas, while Chaka sweeps his paintbrush from side to side filling up the space with his bold strokes. Henry, TJ and Leom, our newest additions, are adding their own flair to their art pieces as well. Each painting is unique, just like our Gorilla family.
Art by Gorillas
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Photo Mat: Chaka
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Photo Mat: Chaka
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"Waterfall Cascade" by Mike
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"Sunshine Day" by Mike
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"Holiday Spirit" by Chaka
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"Hometown Team" by Mike
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
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
Special Edition Texas Pride: Bears and Ocelots
Celebrate your Texas pride all year long with these special paintings made by two native species: black bears and ocelots. Belle and Willow, two American black bears, came to the Houston Zoo in 2013 from California after being rescued as orphans. Belle, the larger of the two bears, 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. Jack the ocelot is feisty, full of attitude and gets very excited by anything with an interesting smell. Their artwork is dramatic and eye-catching, with paw prints that can be seen across the canvas.
Art by Bears and Ocelots
Artist Profile
Denver: Blue and Gold Macaw
Denver has lived at the Houston Zoo since 2010 and during this time has developed his own artistic flare. He enjoys working on exploring new activities with his animal care team, including painting, and these are fun for both animals and keepers. Denver uses a paintbrush and, holding it in his beak, moves the brush in long, sweeping strokes to create his masterpiece.
Art by Denver
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Photo Mat: Denver
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"Licorice" by Denver
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"Bird Feathers" by Denver
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"Be Bold" by Denver
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"Mauve Masterpiece" by Denver
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"Teamwork" by Denver
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"Holly Jolly" by Denver
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"Raindrops" by Denver
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
Sea Lions
Our Sea Lions are pro painters, and each piece they create reflects the special bond that our Sea Lions have with their animal care team. Whether through broad and sweeping brush strokes, or delicately placed nose prints, our Sea Lion paintings are sure to delight everyone in the family.
Art by Sea Lions
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Photo Mat: Cali
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Photo Mat: Jonah
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Photo Mat: Jonah
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"Summer Lovin'" by Cali
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"Shimmering Meadow" by Cali
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
George and Indy- Southern White Rhinos
Meet George and Indy, our Southern White Rhinos. They can often be found lounging in the mud or cooling off in the shade. To create the unique prints, Indy and George gently presses their hips and backside’s into our non-toxic paint and then onto the canvas. These paintings are the result of the strong bond that our keepers and Rhinos share, and would make the perfect gift to share with your favorite Rhino fan.
Art by Rhinos
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Photo Mat: George
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Photo Mat: George
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Photo Mat: George
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Photo Mat: Rhino
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Photo Mat: George
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"Royal Rump" by Indy
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"In Motion" by Indy
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"Lovely in Lavender" by Indy
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
Giraffes
From the tallest animals can sometimes come the most beautiful art pieces, and each painting is a reflection of the giraffes gentle nature. Our giraffe family loves to paint, and they each have their own unique style. Using their long tongues, the giraffes gently lick the non-toxic paint creating swirls of color across the canvas. A perfect gift for the giraffe fan in your life.
Art by Giraffes
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"Fourteen Karat Gold" by Gigi
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"Around the Watering Hole" by Joshua and Gigi
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"Sky Full of Stars" by Gigi
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"Gigi's Fireflies" by Gigi
Artist Profile
Chimpanzees
Each piece of art reflects the personality of our chimpanzee’s and their special bond with their animal care team. Lulu is spunky and loves to make her keepers laugh. Sierra is mischievous and the first to start a friendly game of chase. Chaos likes to act tough but is a softie at heart, and if often seen carrying a pile of blankets. The paintings are filled with color and movement, with our chimpanzees expertly using paintbrushes and blank canvas’ to make their creations come to life.
Art by Chimpanzees
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Photo Mat: Kenya
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Photo Mat: Scooter
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Photo Mat: Tanzee
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"Wind and Fire" by Kenya and Sierra
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"Playtime" by Lulu
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"Golden Harvest" by Lucy
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"Creative in Color" by Lulu and Charlie
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"Midnight Snack" by Willie and Charlie
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"Reflections" by Maizey
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"Water Ballet" by Lulu and Sally
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"Galactic Empire" by Willie and Lucy
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"Aurora Borealis" by Lucy and Willie
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"Holiday Season" by Chaos
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"Dancing Rivers" by Tanzee and Sierra
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Additionally- this painting is a lighter teal than the photo below
Artist Profile
De Brazza's Monkey Family
Albert, Amelia, Mica and Opal are the DeBrazza’s monkey family who call the Houston Zoo home. The entire family takes part in the creation of these masterpieces using their small hands to manipulate the non-toxic paint on the canvas.
Art by De Brazza's Monkey Family
Artist Profile
Kwame- Okapi
Known as the “forest giraffe”, Okapi’s are a favorite of many of our guests. Kwame loves attention from his animal care team and has never met a stranger. He is the darling of behind the scenes animal encounters and can usually be counted on to sneak in a kiss when you aren’t looking. Kwame participates in painting by gently rubbing his face (and sometimes tongue) in the paint on the canvas, creating beautiful swirls of color.
Art by Kwame
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"Rainbow Magic" by Kwame
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"Whimsical Waves" by Kwame
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"Okapi Dance" by Kwame
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"Watercolor Rainbows" by Okapi
Size: 11×14
$150
Note: A small amount of glitter was added to this painting post-creation
Artist Profile
Quito: Southern Tamandua
Quito is a southern tamandua, which is a type of anteater. He is a very curious and interactive with his keepers, and is constantly on the move! Quito’s favorite enrichment is a good rotten log that’s full of smells and bugs. His strong claws will tear off the bark and then he’ll use his long tongue to slurp up any treasures. He creates his masterpieces by walking through the non-toxic paint, leaving behind a trail of unique footprints.
Art by Quito
Artist Profile
Clark- Green Winged Macaw
Clark has been part of the Houston Zoo family since 2006 and lives behind the scenes in the Natural Encounters department. He isn’t afraid to make friends with anyone and is always saying hello. Clark loves painting, walnuts, and attention from his keepers. He particularly enjoys using different colors in his paintings to make sure each one is unique.
Art by Clark
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"Moody Blues" by Clark
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"Sunset Streaks" by Clark
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"Giving Thanks" by Clark
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Photo Mat: Clark
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Photo Mat: Clark
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
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. 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
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"A Goat in Reflection" by Simon
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"Pink Streaks" by Simon
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"Neon Steel" by Simon
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"Boo to You" by Seamus
Artist Profile
Rainbo- The red-sided eclectus 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
Artist Profile
Jack- Ocelot
Jack is 17 years old and has lived at the Houston Zoo since 2015. He is described by his keepers as being very feisty and full of attitude. Jack is a calm painter and will move across the canvas when being fed his favorite foods, like chunk meat or fish. His perfect paws can be seen in piece he creates.
Art by Jack
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
Meerkats
The meerkat mob will always make you smile as you watch these small creatures standing on their hind legs, absorbing the warmth of the sun on their bellies, furiously digging for food, or comically wrestling with each other. Meerkats paint after their keepers spread pools of paint and the blank canvas on their bedroom floors. You can see evidence of their tiny paws on every piece they create.
Art by Meerkats
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: Each 8×10 photo mat comes with a glossy 5×7 photo of the animal artist; photo mat’s may have slight imperfections due to the enthusiastic nature of our artists
Artist Profile
Kringle: Yellow-backed Duiker
Kringle was born in 1999 and has lived at the Houston Zoo since 2000. She has been a wonderful and caring mother to six calves. She is very friendly and will readily approach keepers for snacks or scratches. Lettuce, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter sandwiches are some of her favorite foods. Kringle uses a combination of tongue and nose to spread the non-toxic paint across a canvas.
Art by Kringle
Size: 8×10
$75
Note: A small amount of glitter was added to this painting post-creation
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
*Note: Custom Pieces are not currently available for purchase. Please check back again soon for updates
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.
