ENDANGERED: Fine Art & Photography Contest 2021 Submission

The Toronto Zoo cares for some of the most lovely orangutans in North America, and photographing them is always a joy. Last year I decided to start turning some of my photographs into paintings -- starting with an elephant and a chimpanzee from the Miami Zoo. The next in this series of mine is an orangutan from the Toronto Zoo. I captured a photograph in which this orangutan was smiling so large, with a sparkle in its eyes, and I knew it would be perfect to paint. Orangutans are incredible beings that share 97% of their DNA with humans. Whether it's watching them soak a blanket in water and drape it over themselves on a hot day, or washing items within their exhibit in a tub, every time I observe orangutans I am reminded of the deep connection our species share.

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