The Okie Series Art Auction Fundraiser

Starting on November 16, 2017, Zoo New England will be auctioning off three unique pieces of artwork created by our western lowland gorilla, Okie. He will soon move to his new home at the Audubon Zoo where it is hoped that he will be successful in starting his own family.  In honor of Okie, we will be auctioning some of his artwork before he leaves for his new home. All proceeds will benefit Zoo New England.   

Zoo New England is proud to support conservation work on behalf of gorillas through the Ape TAG Conservation Initiative, a collective effort by zoos to help conserve wild populations of endangered apes in their natural habitats. Projects range from species monitoring and protection to law enforcement, ecotourism and veterinary and disease monitoring. Additionally, guests are encouraged to drop off their old cell phones at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Mass. to be recycled through the Eco-Cell program. Coltan, used in the production of cell phones, is mined from central African forests right in the gorillas’ habitat. By recycling cell phones, the need for additional coltan mining is reduced, and in turn, habitat destruction.  

Since 2004, Okie, age 24, has been finger painting with non-toxic paints as an enrichment activity. Through the years, he has produced many one-of-a-kind masterpieces that showcase his free form style.

Environmental enrichment encourages animals to use their natural abilities and behaviors to interact with their environment. By examining the way an animal acts in its natural environment, we can recreate similar situations here at the Zoo. Whether an animal likes to stalk and chase its prey, burrow underground to hide, or forage for food, its behavior is taken into consideration when creating enrichment. Providing stimulating environments and activities is an important component of the care of the animals. Tailored to the needs of each specific species, enrichment takes many different forms and can even include finger painting.

Fun facts about Okie:

• He is the youngest male in the gorilla troop at Franklin Park Zoo.
• Visitors may notice he likes to sit on top of his toys.
• He is athletic and likes to show off to visitors.
• Bananas are his favorite food.
• He will be joining three females at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans to start his own family.