Elephant Art

Elephants have been observed in the wild using sticks or rocks to scratch patterns in the sand and dust, a behaviour that has been explained by some naturalists as a possible expression of mood. Although all three of the Zoo's female elephants have been given the opportunity to paint as a part of the enrichment program, Kamala is the only one who has shown a continuing interest.

Over the years she has progressed from "finger painting" by rubbing water colours over a piece of paper in the ground with her trunk, to using a basting brush on a piece of paper taped to the wall. Since April 1994, Kamala has painted using custom brushes made especially for her, applying acrylics to an easel-mounted canvas. We invite you to enjoy her work.

The Calgary Zoological Society is a charitable organization that relies on your donations. Charitable Registration #11882 4192 RR0001.