Buzz
What exactly do animals get up to? It’s a wide-ranging question with many answers. They eat, drink, reproduce, and more. But sometimes, they create art.
You might be amazed at how many animals have developed artistic talents, from painting and photography to dance and collage. Given the chance, animals seem to enjoy exploring various forms of self-expression, just like us. Here are some of the most fascinating examples.
10. Dagger DogVinci
Dagger is a Black Labrador/Golden Retriever mix who was originally meant to become an assistance dog with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Though he excelled in much of the complex training required for the role, his fear of certain tasks prevented him from graduating. He was later adopted by artist Yvonne Dagger, who welcomed him into her studio, where he watched her paint.
Due to his prior training, Dagger was accustomed to learning how to observe and master human skills. One day, Yvonne handed him a paintbrush, and Dagger eagerly set to work creating his own art. He went on to sell over 150 paintings, raising more than $10,000 for charity. But Dagger’s journey didn’t stop there—not only is he still painting today, but he also became a certified therapy dog for Therapy Dogs International. Now, he brings inspiration, comfort, and joy to people around the world.
9. Metro The Artistic Racehorse
Metro Meteor, a top-tier racehorse, was adopted by artist Ron Krajewski and his wife Wendy after suffering severe knee injuries on the racetrack. Born with a degenerative condition that would affect his knees permanently, even after his racing days were over, Metro was given only a couple of years to live. Wanting to bring him as much happiness as possible, Ron noticed Metro's head-bobbing behavior and had an idea—perhaps the horse would enjoy painting with a brush in his mouth.
As it turned out, Metro loved painting. He became the top-selling artist at Gallery 30 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and earned enough money to fund a groundbreaking treatment for his knee condition. The treatment was successful, and Metro now enjoys a long, happy life at the easel. He has also helped other racehorses by donating over $45,000 from his painting sales to a charity that helps retired racehorses find loving homes.
8. The Painting Elephants of Thailand
The Elephant Art Gallery showcases artwork created by trained elephant artists residing at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Thailand. Many of the elephants at the center have been rescued or orphaned. The elephants use specially designed brushes to paint, preventing the brush from sliding too far down their trunks. With over 40,000 muscles in their trunks, elephants have remarkable control over their movements. This allows them to paint intricate depictions of trees, leaves, and flowers, as well as vibrant abstract pieces.
There has been some debate over whether the methods used to teach elephants to paint are cruel or unethical, with criticism from various conservation and animal welfare organizations. However, it remains unclear whether these concerns are valid.
7. Mshindi The Artistic Rhino
Mshindi was a black rhino at the Denver Zoo who was sadly euthanized in September 2015 due to worsening foot issues and the complications of old age. During his life, Mshindi was a prolific artist, using his mouth to hold a brush and create abstract paintings on canvas. His keeper, Christine Bobko, trained him to do this along with other tasks, such as fetching sticks and sitting on command. Mshindi was always eager to learn new things.
The name Mshindi translates to “warrior” in Swahili. Who could have imagined that such a mighty creature would also become an artist?
6. The ‘Pho-Dog-Rapher’
In an experiment by Nikon, a fortunate dog named Grizzler became a photographer. A camera was mounted on Grizzler’s chest with a sensor that tracked his heart rate. When Grizzler became excited by something he was observing, his heart rate would increase. If his heart rate exceeded 119 beats per minute, the camera's shutter would automatically trigger and snap a photo.
Grizzler produced a unique and eclectic portfolio, capturing images of cats, other dogs, plants, and even mushrooms.
5. Towan The Orangutan Artist
Towan, an orangutan at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, found joy in art throughout his 48 years of life. Though he often disliked captivity and attempted several escapes from the zoo, it’s likely he wouldn’t have survived outside, as the world beyond the zoo was not safe for him. His repeated efforts to break free, however, revealed his remarkable intelligence and creativity.
Towan was provided with a sketchpad and used a variety of materials to create stunning abstract artwork. He experimented with tools like toothbrushes, crayons, and chalk to achieve the effects he desired. Towan passed away in March 2016 due to complications from a medical procedure.
4. Lea The Sea Lion
Jen DeGroot, a marine mammalogist at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, taught a sea lion named Lea to paint as a way to keep her mentally stimulated. Lea took to painting quickly, and soon Max, another sea lion, joined in. Their “flipper prints” were sold to raise funds for the animals, and Lea and Max were featured in a book called *Fur in My Paint*.
The artwork has gained significant popularity and seems to have sparked greater interest in the sea lions, even among those who weren’t previously captivated by them.
3. And So Many Others
We often believe that humans are the sole true artists, but in reality, there are thousands of animals that naturally express creativity. Parrots and other birds are exceptional mimics, even playing pivotal roles in criminal investigations. Flamingos engage in coordinated dances, and spiders craft detailed webs.
Many animals themselves are masterpieces, like butterflies with their stunning colors and patterns, or oysters, which create pearls within their shells. The animal kingdom is teeming with remarkable art and craftsmanship if you know where to look.
2. The Bowerbird Collage
One of the most artistic bird species is undoubtedly the bowerbird. To attract females, the males create elaborate displays made from a variety of objects they’ve gathered. These can include all sorts of odd items, from ribbons and shards of glass to coins and photographs.
The males meticulously collect and arrange these objects around a structure of interwoven sticks and grasses. Interestingly, this display is entirely separate from nest-building. The male bowerbird's creation is solely for visual appeal.
1. Painting Beluga Whales
Beluga whales at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan, were given specially designed 'beluga brushes' to allow them to create paintings from their pool. The belugas held the brushes in their mouths and were challenged to replicate images made by human participants in the aquarium’s art program.
Although belugas are known as white whales, their paintings are full of vibrant colors and distinct styles. Their keepers dip the brushes into the paint for them and set up an easel above the water, but the belugas do all the rest of the creative work.
