Feathered artists’ paintings for a charity event
Ornithologists at the Primorsky Aquarium strongly believe that their charges – Humboldt penguins – require all-round enrichment and provide the seabirds not only with physical activity but also with “art classes”. Thus, the penguins have mastered finger painting.
“We offered the birds finger paints as a new kind of toy and, in consequence, the penguins enjoy the process of painting, and we are satisfied with its results,” said Vladislava Kreschenovskaya, Principal Specialist of the Ornithology Department. “We conduct art sessions for the penguins almost every day, using baby-safe paints, which are certainly harmless to our birds. The penguins step into the puddles of paints on the floor and then leave bright traces on the paper sheets turning them into pictures that are completely different from each other. We encourage the penguins to be interested in fine art, and it is quite possible that after the birds become skilled in the use of finger paints, they will start creating their paintings with brushes.”
The unique artworks made by the feathered artists were available for purchase during the Ocean of Hope charity event, which took place last Saturday, December 28, at the Aquarium. All the proceeds raised from various handmade souvenirs and the penguins’ paintings will be donated to the Save a Life Charitable Foundation in Vladivostok.