What is New at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo?

The month of December promises to be an exciting and art-filled time for animals at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Do not worry if you cannot make it to the Smithsonian National Zoo this month to see the artistry of some of the animals because according to the Smithsonian News, "The artwork will be available for purchase at the National Capital chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Art Show, which will take place spring 2012."

The animals that paint are a part of the animal enrichment program at the Smithsonian. Painting provides physically and mentally stimulating activities for the animals in captivity and an added income source when the zoo sells the artistry to tourists.

If you are in the area, you can drop off donations such as: any size canvas, art paper, paint brush or non-toxic, water-based paint. Just bring your donations to the Visitor Center for the animal care staff to distribute to the staff.

Original paintings by animals and especially elephants is nothing new. The Elephant Art Institute located in Thailand has a complete gallery of illustrations by these beautiful and talented mammals.

You can see a collection of the Smithsonian artists here.

Otherwise, you can visit the Smithsonian National Zoo along with the estimated 1.6 million who visited during 2011. Admission to the Zoo is free and it is open every day from 10am until 6pm. The National Zoo is only closed on one day each year, December 25.

You can also sign up to receive any one of the Zoo newsletters by visiting the website here.

The Smithsonian National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 and parking at the Zoo can be reserved in advance.

Sources:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/default.cfm

http://www.elephantartgallery.com/

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Audiences/Visitors/default.cfm?hpout=visit_link&xtr=