I paint primates. What if they paint?
By Robin Huffman, Safina Center Fellow
Caring for orphaned primates in sanctuaries and painting them are two of my greatest passions. What if those monkeys and apes were offered a chance to paint? Is that appropriate?
A simple question, but even such a seemingly benign aspect of wildlife conservation can be controversial, I’m learning.
On my last volunteer stint at Cameroon’s Ape Action Africa, I conducted painting projects with a few of the young resident apes and monkeys, with watercolor paper and non-toxic paints. Some of them enthusiastically engaged, even choosing their favorite colors, while others couldn’t be bothered.
Painting by young gorilla Chris at Ape Action Africa courtesy of Robin Huffman and Ape Action Africa
Painting by mona monkey infant “Ellen De Generes” at Ape Action Africa ("signed" with footprint) courtesy of Robin Huffman and Ape Action Africa
Young moustache monkey Dali at Ape Action Africa and her painting ("signed" with handprints) courtesy of Robin Huffman and Ape Action Africa
Ape Action Africa is a sanctuary for orphans of the bushmeat hunting and illegal pet trade. They house 350 gorillas, chimps and monkeys who, for now, will likely live out their lives there because of escalating deforestation, hunting and wildlife trafficking.
The primate “painters” were those in confined situations. The idea was the activity as enrichment, but also the finished product for fundraising, as other reputable primate sanctuaries do. And in my case I envision, in future exhibitions, displaying their artwork alongside my painted portraits of those individuals (art of monkeys; art by monkeys), for a more intimate experience of them.
For a recent fundraiser auction, I framed two of the paintings, along with photos and stories of the “artists.”
Upon posting them on social media to promote the event, I fielded some harsh criticism—publicly—about the inappropriateness of painting activities by wildlife. The critic’s position was unequivocal: “no wild animal, in any circumstance, should ever do any unnatural act; it could be considered exploitation and in many circles, a facility doing that would be blacklisted.”
Jungle Friends monkey art photo courtesy of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary
The sanctuary leaders and I, unsure of the protocol, withdrew my post and the artwork.
My own personal thoughts were that there are many things not natural for wild animals in sanctuaries, where compassionate humans help undo horrific things other humans have done to them, so they can hopefully recover and thrive with their own kind. One of the deadliest things for intelligent, confined individuals is boredom. Painting is only one of many forms of enrichment. Baby monkeys love swaddling in cozy hammocks, gazing into mirrors, and bouncing and balancing on rubber resistance bands.
I wondered, where do conservation experts stand on the artwork issue?
So I posed the question to:
1) Ian Redmond, OBE, Zoological Society Fellow, conservationist, tropical field biologist, Ape Alliance chairman, Ambassador of the UN Year of the Gorilla 2009, renowned for his work with gorillas and elephants spanning more than three decades.
“My views on ape or elephant art depends on the context and whether it is the free expression of a creative mind or a trained behavior with largely financial motives by the trainer. So, if the animal artist is in a sanctuary or rehab centre with free choice, and chooses to use non-toxic materials provided for enrichment, why not sell the result to help fund the sanctuary? If it is a situation where the animal has been acquired to entertain tourists and is painting on command, of course I’d oppose it strongly.
Some would say the former might stimulate a demand for the latter, but I think buyers can be informed of the difference and understand when their $$ is helping a good cause or financing cruelty, poaching and trafficking.”
2) Annette Lanjouw, Chief Executive Officer, former Co-Executive Director, Head of Great Ape & Gibbon Program, Arcus Foundation, which awarded more than $12 million in 2018 to conserve and protect the world’s great apes and gibbons. As a highly regarded expert in great ape conservation, she’s worked with chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas in the wild, and extensively in conservation strategy, program implementation, and research. For 15 years she was director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, to conserve mountain gorillas on the border of Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I know many responsible sanctuaries...both primate as well as elephant and other..who let the animals paint as enrichment, and where the paintings are then sold. Not “great works of art,” but as a memento and glimpse into the aesthetic mind of a nonhuman. I think it is absolutely fine. These sanctuaries are not blacklisted or condemned for doing this.
I agree that animals in captivity get bored. As long as they paint of their own volition and because they want to...and can stop without any loss of benefits or treats...then I think it is without harm and maybe even very enjoyable for them.
I know opinions differ, and people are entitled to their own opinions, but I don’t think it is a problem. And if you can raise money from it to help, then all the better!!”
3) The Jane Goodall Institute (no introduction needed).
“As a highly intelligent species, wild chimpanzees naturally make and use tools, participating in complex activities like using stones to break nuts or other foods. Enrichment activities which stimulate creativity, dexterity, and problem-solving including painting can be very beneficial for chimpanzees in captive environments. At our Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of the Congo, rescued chimpanzees participate in painting optionally, if they show interest. Dr. Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute believe that painting for chimpanzees is a wonderful enrichment activity, even a kind of therapy, especially for those who may be confined due to injury or some other factor.
It is important to differentiate between providing an opportunity for enrichment through an optional activity, versus the evidence of other facilities forcing primates to learn unnatural behaviors. That sort of mistreatment is something that we do not condone, and make clear when sharing any video or imagery of our chimpanzees participating in painting. Imagery and videos of chimpanzees creating art are readily available on our social media and in our store.”
Jane Goodall chimp art card courtesy of Jane Goodall Institute
Jane Goodall chimp art card courtesy of Jane Goodall Institute
Jane Goodall chimp art card back courtesy of Jane Goodall Institute
So, it’s not a black-and-white issue…but rather, shades of gray. To holistically declare “off limits” any sanctuary where the captive wild residents do artwork, cheats a lot of people, the sanctuaries, and the wildlife out of many things—experiences, enlightenment, transformation, funds, and potential ambassadors. Some of those sanctuaries are the highest caliber in terms of the work they do, lauded by conservationists globally. Those of us who have learned a bit more about the distinctions are in a unique position to educate people who are simply unaware or uneducated on the subject.
There will always be people who misunderstand and jump to conclusions, as well as rescue centers and faux sanctuaries that misrepresent. But for the rest of the potential audiences, who can change their opinions once informed—and make a heart connection—they have the intelligence to discern the shades, if we spell it out clearly enough for them. And they deserve that. The wildlife deserves that.
What do you think?