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
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
Size: 16×20
$200
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
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
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
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
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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"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
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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"Golden Harvest" by Lucy
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"Creative in Color" by Lulu and Charlie
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"Galactic Empire" by Willie and Lucy
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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
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
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
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
Artist Profile
Naked Mole Rats
Our Naked Mole Rats are crowd favorites, and there is always something new to see when you visit them in the Natural Encounters Building. You can often see them digging their burrows, eating in their food chambers or taking a snooze with their colony members. All 38 naked mole rats participate in painting. Their keepers spread pools of paint and the blank canvas out for them to walk on, and you can see their tiny paw prints on each piece they create.
Art by Naked Mole Rats
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.
