Art exhibition of chimpanzees, elephants and otters opens at Tallinn Zoo
An exhibition featuring paintings by two chimpanzees, two elephants and otters has opened at the western gate of Tallinn Zoo. Proceeds from sales will support the conservation of endangered species.
An unusual art exhibition has opened at the western gate of Tallinn Zoo, displaying paintings created by its inhabitants – two chimpanzees, two elephants, and otters.
Elephants are intelligent animals that require interesting activities, so the elephants at Tallinn Zoo are occasionally given the opportunity to paint to prevent boredom. Erko Kiisel, a wildlife care specialist, told the show "Ringvaade" that painting sessions are not mass-produced – usually up to 20 times a year, mostly in winter when the elephants cannot go outside and need enrichment activities indoors.
Kiisel noted that among the elephants, Fien is the only one who paints by striking with her trunk. The force of her strikes depends on how sleepy or alert she is, as well as her mood. In contrast, Karl and Draay have a more stable mood for painting. Keepers choose the colors, typically using six basic colors. As a reward for painting, the elephants receive pieces of bottle gourd and special cookies made from corn, carrots and sunflower oil.
The otters' painting was created differently – exhibition curator Daria Zubareva explained that the otters did it not for art, but to get a chicken heart placed over the canvas, with paint around the canvas. As the otters ran and jumped, their paw prints were left on the canvas.
The exhibition features works by two chimpanzees, two elephants and otters. Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will go toward the conservation of the Sumatran rhinoceros, Pallas's cat and the European mink in the wild.
