Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration – You can buy paintings created by African penguins here.
How do the penguins paint? Creating these paintings is a form of enrichment for about half of the 27 penguins who have unleashed their inner artistes to create them. Here’s how they do it:
All of these African penguins have been trained to stick out their feet in order for the trainers to examine them as part of their animal care program.
Next, the trainer dabs non-toxic paint on the penguin’s feet. A canvas is laid on the floor and the penguin is set down on the canvas to roam freely. Once the paint begins to fade, the penguin’s feet are cleaned and a new color is applied. The penguins once again waddle across the canvas to create a layer of hues.
The 16″x20″ paintings are available in two three-color combinations: purple, blue and green and dark red, blue and green. For $124.99 they come already double-matted in white with black inner trim in a black wood frame.
The penguins here play an integral role in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale goes towards that. Over the last eight years, the world’s African penguin population has decreased by 42%.
55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic.
CT Exit 90
860-572-5955
http://www.mysticaquarium.org