Oakland Zoo Auctions Off Artwork Created by Animals

Information, photo by Oakland Zoo:

Oakland Zoo takes a creative approach to raise money for animal conservation. Artwork crafted by zoo animals went up for auction on eBay starting on Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 20.

Artists featured in the Animal Art Show include an elephant, meerkat, lemur, goat, sun bear, giraffe, hyena, siamang, goat, chuckwalla, snake, chimpanzee, lion, cockatoo, parrot, ferret, cockroach, squirrel monkey, bat, river otter, and green monkey. For a complete list of artist names, the bidding link, and additional information on Oakland Zoo’s Animal Art Show click here.

None of the animals were forced or coerced into participating in the Art Show. The painting sessions were conducted with zookeepers, using only positive-reinforcement methods to encourage voluntary participation. The paint used was non-toxic and water based. Any animal that refused to participate was freely allowed to do so. All funds raised from the auction will benefit Oakland Zoo’s conservation partners, who are working in the field to save wild animals.

“The Animal Art Show is a triple win; it provides fun enrichment for our animals, helps support the conservation of wildlife, and draws public attention to the various conservation challenges that animals face,” said Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director at Oakland Zoo. “The Animal Art Show is also a perfect example of how the entire Oakland Zoo staff embraces our conservation efforts, from our Marketing Department to our Animal Care team. We hope the lucky winners of this unique art know that they took action for wildlife every time they look at it.”

Erin Harrison of Oakland Zoo came up with the idea for an Animal Art Show in 2014 and is thrilled that the popularity and success of the project has fueled a second show.

“Not only does our Animal Art Show raise much needed funds for animals in the wild, it provides many of our animal residents here at the Zoo with an enrichment activity - and gives anyone out there an opportunity to bid on a unique work of art while knowing they are helping conservation efforts around the world with their purchase,” said Harrison.

In 2014, Oakland Zoo auctioned off twelve paintings from nine species of animals and raised nearly $10,000. The 2015 Art Show will feature even more animals - thirty-two paintings from twenty different animal species.

Select paintings from Oakland Zoo’s Animal Art Show will also be on exhibit from September 10 - 20 at the Blueprint in Oakland. The Blueprint is located at 439 International Blvd. in Oakland.