This Zoo Sells Paintings Made By The Animals

May 28, 2018

The Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah, sells paintings created by the animals and 100 percent of the proceeds go toward organizations that help each particular species.

Credit: Morgan Reese

The paintings even come with a picture of the animals who painted it.

According to Erica Hansen, manager of community relations at Hogle Zoo, painting also increases trust between the animals and their keepers.

Credit: Morgan Reese

None of the animals are forced to paint, but the keepers know which ones seem to enjoy it.

Christie the elephant and her daughter Zuri love to paint. Because elephants are higher-cognitive animals, zookeepers are able to teach them many things, and teaching the elephants to paint is another way for them to be creative and to strengthen the relationship with their keepers.

Credit: Morgan Reese

All the paint used at the zoo is nontoxic acrylic and is safe for the animals.

A painting made by one of the harbor seals

In addition to elephants and meerkats, Hansen says orangutans, gorillas, wolves, lizards, harbor seals, and sea lions also paint.

And, of course, all of the animals are rewarded for their masterpieces.

Credit: Morgan Reese