Jumbo success for Five's artistic flair
Five the elephant, at West Midland Safari Park, is becoming a jumbo success in the art world and and now her work has been nominated for a major award.
Five, a 17-year-old African elephant, first picked up a paintbrush two years ago and ever since the talented giant has stunned critics with her passion for bright colours and bold strokes.
Her paintings have proved so popular they are now being sold as unique works of art at the Bewdley safari park's shop at £95 for each canvas – but there is further acclaim on the way.
One of her masterpieces has been nominated for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Award.
Entered in a category called "other", Five's work was nominated for the award by the Park's Wildlife Director Bob Lawrence.
He said: "We are keeping everything crossed that Five's abstract work will capture the judge's eyes.
"So far she has completed 100 or more paintings which have gone on sale at the park's shop.
"Each is a unique piece of art on canvas.
"Five took up her hobby after she picked up a brush we used to use on her toe-nails. From then on we let her have a go at painting.
"We decided to give her some paint and she now works under the instruction of her keepers. When she hears the word paint she picks up her brush and gets to work and really seems to enjoy the experience.
"Her paintings have proved so popular that customers can even order pain- tings in a preferred colour if they want. We will give her those colours to work with and even take a photograph of her doing the work.
"Money raised from the sale of the paintings will go to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and to helping a project in Zimbabwe where as many as 80 rhinos needed to be darted and moved to safety."
