7 famous animal artists

Not long ago, scientists considered the ability to paint as one of the major differences between humans and animals. But that was only because animals did not have the opportunity to hold a paintbrush. The animal kingdom has artists who sell their paintings for more than many people.

1. Elephant painter

Everyone knows that elephants are intelligent animals, but few of us can imagine that they are capable of creating real works of art. According to the staff of the National Elephant Institute of Thailand, Thai elephants are natural-born artists. They can hold a brush and create like real artists. Thanks to their mobile trunks, elephants can draw better than any other animal.

2. Whale painter

Xiaoqiang, a beluga whale, learns to paint under the guidance of a trainer at Qingdao Water Park in Qingdao, Shandong, China. Xiaoqiang is now one of the park’s main attractions.

3. Dog artist

After his owner stuck a paintbrush into his favorite rubber bone, Sammy began to paint. The dog from Eastern Shore, Maryland, uses multiple colors for each painting. Sammy’s artwork has been exhibited in several New York galleries, with some selling for as much as $1,700.

4. Sea lion painter

When Jen DeGroot, a marine biologist at Oregon Coast Park, decided to teach Lea the sea lion to draw, she never imagined Lea would become a star. The park saw Lea’s potential and decided to sell the sea lion’s artwork to raise money for the animals. Lea and her sea lion friend Max are now proficient with the paintbrush.

5. Rhino artist

This black rhinoceros is one of the main attractions at the Denver Zoo in Denver, Colorado. Not only is he one of the cutest animals there, Mishindi can also draw. All he needs is a pen and someone to hold his easel so he can show off his talent. At a fundraising event last year, Mishindi’s paintings sold for $220 each.

6. Horse painter

Cholla is a talented artist. He was invited to participate in an art exhibition in Montigliano Venetto, Italy, along with 1,770 other artists. Organizers said they were shocked to learn that the selected artwork was a horse, which only added to their admiration for Cholla’s talent. Cholla’s painting career began when his owner, Renee Chambers, gave him a paintbrush. Since then, he has continued to paint and his works are now worth over $2,000.

7. Orangutan artist

Towan, a 41-year-old orangutan from Woodland Park Zoo, became an internet sensation in 2008 when his paintings were auctioned off on eBay. Two of Towan’s pieces sold for nearly $1,000. All orangutans love to draw, but unlike his friends, Towan prefers to draw with a pen instead of his tongue.