Rolling Hill Zoo at The Nook

Rolling Hills Zoo’s animal artists create art as only they can. As a form of animal enrichment, which enhances the quality of their care and improves their physical and psychological health, many of the Zoo’s animals paint on canvas boards, ostrich eggs and cloth. The Zoo’s animal artists include:

· Frank the mandrill - who creates by finger painting;

· the African painted dogs: Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and Sissy - who are motivated by scent when painting;

· the Coati - who paint using their whole body;

· Zuri, the giraffe, - who, along with the help of her baby JoJo, paints with a brush by wrapping her 18” tongue around it;

· the Zoo’s “diva artist”, Millie, the chimpanzee - selects her own paint colors, brushes and canvas when painting;

· the reptiles – including the snakes and tortoises – create with body imprints;

· and Joya the rhino who creates butt prints.

Other animal artists include the snow leopard, the ostriches, and the Amur leopard.

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Immersing their guests in the artistic experience is all part of this year’s Art Gone Wild Plein Air Event at Rolling Hills Zoo on September 16th. Plein Air artists take their inspiration from the beauty of nature in the great outdoors. From an artist’s perspective, nature’s beauty is reflected in art, from the literal - through breathtaking landscapes, brilliant sunrises, cascading waterfalls, flowering foliage and amazing wildlife; to the abstract - inspiration provided by the textures, colors and sounds of the natural world. Regional artists, along with the animal artists, will be in the park showcasing their artistic talent. There will also be Children’s Art Stations and Chalk Art Stations for guests to engage in the artistic experience.

The Art Gone Wild Gallery Show will open on September 30th and run thru January 7, 2018. This year’s gallery show will include the plein air created during RHZ’s Art Gone Wild Plein Air Event along with the juried show by regional artists and the Zoo’s animal art.

Linda Henderson (Rolling Hills Zoo) . We are proud to partner with The Flower Nook to showcase the animals and our mission at the zoo.