One of the most rewarding aspects of being an animal keeper at the Houston Zoo is the opportunity to interact with so many visitors who are continually impressed by the wide array of behaviors our animals exhibit. On any given day it is possible to see animals eating, playing, napping, bathing, running, jumping, swimming… and painting?
Rainbow the Eclectus Parrot Painting
Indeed, several of the animals at the zoo have demonstrated themselves to be talented artists. This is Rainbo, a male Eclectus Parrot found in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo. As we can all plainly see, Rainbo is quite the accomplished artist. He is able to utilize a variety of techniques to create outstanding and unique works.
Some pose the question: Why painting? After all, you will not find a single keeper who will tell you that these animals can be found painting on canvas in the wild. However, animals readily problem-solve and socialize in the wild; keepers are able to help provide for the well-being of our animals by providing them necessary outlets for these crucial behaviors. Getting the paint to the canvas is a “problem” that results in much-desired treat food items (for a parrot like Rainbo, these food items could include a variety of greens, fruits and vegetables). Furthermore, some animals (such as parrots) benefit from a bit of special attention.
Keepers at the zoo work hard to ensure the overall well-being of the animals under our care. Painting provides numerous benefits for a variety of species, and keepers closely supervise the interaction of the animals in these instances to maintain a positive experience?
Interested in having an animal masterpiece of your very own? Learn more about animal paintings here. Animal paintings from the Houston Zoo help to support a range of conservation efforts!
More Posts Like This!
- A Rainbow in the Swap Shop?? Yes indeed there was a rainbow in the Swap Shop. But this was Rainbo the Electus Parrot. Rainbo is one of...
- Avian Enrichment: Foraging Fun with an Eclectus Parrot Everyday Enrichment: Making Life More Interesting for our Avian Residents – Part I Many Houston Zoo visitors often ask us...
- Photo of The Day – March 22 Lucy – the African Gray Parrot...
- Animal Enrichment: Who Does the Parrot Want to Call? As a child, I absolutely hated macaroni art. The act of gluing food parts to a sheet of paper seemed...
- Spotlight on Species: The St.Vincent Parrot’s Home The St. Vincent Amazon Parrot (Amazona guildingii) is found on the small, volcanic, Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The island...
