Press Release Archive

Artwork Painted by the Phoenix Zoo's Very Own Orangutan! On Tuesday, September 16, the Auction Network will conduct a live auction featuring artwork created by animals from zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

 An original painting by Dutchess, a Bornean Orangutan from the Phoenix Zoo, will be one of the numerous pieces up for sale during The Arts by Animal Auction, which will be broadcast online in high-definition beginning with a special pre-show at 4 p.m. EDT, followed at 5 p.m. EDT with the live auction.

"AZA is thrilled to be partnering with Auction Network on this event, " said AZA President and CEO, Jim Maddy. "The artwork created by these animals helps to highlight the great animal care and conservation programs of accredited zoos and aquariums." Art can be a valuable form of enrichment for animals housed in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

Creating art is safe for the animals; the paints are non-toxic and washable. Some animals use a paintbrush while others chose to paint with their paws, claws, tails and scales. Artist animals at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have included frogs, kangaroos, ocelots, giraffes, red pandas, rhinoceros, Komodo dragons and more.

This three-hour live auction is expected to draw a worldwide audience, and will feature appearances by wildlife celebrities Jack Hanna and Nigel Marven. People are encouraged to visit auctionnetwork.com/aza to view the entire catalog, see video bios on the animal artist and even place proxy bids before the auction begins.

Zoos and aquariums accredited by AZA are committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, " says Pam McKissick, founder and CEO of Auction Network. "These institutions are leaders in conservation science and education, protecting wildlife and wild places and connecting millions of people to this important cause. Auction Network is excited to bring this dynamic auction to animal and art lovers worldwide." Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.