CT's Beardsley Zoo Amur Leopards Go "Van Gogh"

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will celebrate the 15th annual Endangered Species Day on May 15 with an auction of paintings by the Zoo’s three Amur leopards. Endangered Species Day is celebrated each year as an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about endangered species and how to protect them. This year, Amur leopards Freya, Orion and Kallisto painted a series of colorful artworks for sale. The artwork was created by the leopards dabbling in non-toxic, rinseable paints and walking across canvases, as part of an enrichment activity.

The online auction for three paintings begins at noon on Friday, May 15 and ends on Monday, May 18 at noon. Starting bids are $50, with bidding increments of $10. A “buy-now” price of $250 will win the painting. Winners will be contacted after the auction closes to arrange for pickup or delivery.

The online auction can be accessed here: www.leopardpainting.givesmart.com. Video of the leopards painting is available for viewing both at the online auction site and on the Zoo’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCqZU-iZueg&feature=youtu.be.

The Zoo continues to fundraise to meet its operating funds shortfall due to closing for more than two months in the pandemic. Supporters can donate to a $100,000 matching challenge grant at www.beardsleyzoo.org.  Future fundraising plans include Trivia Night, an online photography competition, and animal adoptions packages. In addition, “Quarantine Provisions” are available as a joint promotion with Woofgang & Co at www.woofgangco.org

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever. 

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Spend the day a world away! Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 98th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolf family, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican and Red wolves, and Golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information and updates on the Zoo’s closed status, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

M
Submitted by Milford, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next