I stumbled into a meeting my brain and experience are wholly unqualified to report on, so instead, I will tell you about this much more exciting piece of information. Today, from 4PM-7PM, the AZA will be holding a live auction of paintings created by animals. Anyone can join the auction online but be aware you must register first. Thanks to reader JuliaGoolia for cluing clueless me in.
Check it:
Art by Mishindi the Rhinoceros from the Denver Zoo
Art by Hari and Hakuna the Meerkats from the San Diego Zoo
more below the fold
Art by the Chubs Raccoon Family from the Huchinson Zoo
Art by Pinto the Pig from the Brookfield Zoo
Art by Zuma the Sea Lion from the Shedd Aquarium
Obviously these animals are incredible artists. There are 61 one in all including works by chimps, gorillas, anteaters, my brother and many others. If any Zooillogix readers win, let us know.
Comments
The photo of the Meerkats is priceless! They look totally contented, having done their creative thing. And I can also imagine the caption: "Does this green paint make me look fat?"
Posted by: Pat | September 16, 2008 5:28 PM
Ick, but imagine having to get the paint out of all that fur. Yeouch!
Posted by: Aaron | September 16, 2008 5:44 PM
don't the meerkats wear out, by being painted over and thrown aganist the canvas repeatedly?
Posted by: milkshake | September 16, 2008 5:52 PM
there are more where those came from
Posted by: Andrew | September 16, 2008 5:53 PM
Seriously, is this "painting" doing anything for the animal, other than getting them covered in paint?
Posted by: synapse | September 16, 2008 6:28 PM
probably not on the whole although some might enjoy the varied play time. ultimately its to raise money for the zoo of course.
Posted by: Andrew | September 16, 2008 9:20 PM
This is an issue of some contention. Some feel that, like using chimpanzees in clothes, this anthropogenizes them. In the case of the chimps, the result was a cultural misconception about the endangered status of the species. I haven't quite figured out the negative result some of the zoo community is afraid of in regard to animal paintings. Is it just that it could be seen as exploitative? The money goes back to the animals and, from all I've heard from keepers, the animals really enjoy it. And those critters that don't like it, don't do it.
But maybe I'm just struck dumb by the tidal wave of cuteness from the photos of the animals in the process of painting! It almost makes me a little sick, it's so damn cute.
Posted by: juliagoolia | September 19, 2008 3:29 PM
Very nice pictures. Wonderfull the animals...
Thanks.
Posted by: cabbagepow | September 20, 2008 10:35 AM
In spite of the credit crisis, most customers who go to a fine art auction, aren't affected by the middle class press or imploding housing market, as 6,000 to 7,000 eager bidders appeared at many of the fine art auctions this year.
Posted by: art auction | May 27, 2009 9:15 AM