Artwork created by elephant Mikki of the Louisville Zoo to be auctioned during live interactive webcast

 

Worldwide audience of animal lovers and art enthusiasts expected to watch and bid to support wildlife conservation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2008) – On Tuesday, September 16, the Auction Network will conduct a live auction featuring artwork created by animals from zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  An original painting by 22-year-old African elephant Mikki (baby elephant Scotty’s mom) from the Louisville Zoo will be one of the numerous pieces up for sale during The Arts by Animal auction, which will be broadcast online in high-definition beginning with a special pre-show at 4 p.m. EDT, followed at 5 p.m. EDT with the live auction.

This three-hour live auction is expected to draw a worldwide audience, and will feature appearances by wildlife celebrities Jack Hanna and Nigel Marven. People are encouraged to visit auctionnetwork.com/aza to view the entire catalog, see video bios on the animal artist and even place proxy bids before the auction begins.

“We’re honored for Mikki to represent us during this important auction event,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “Not only will this bring additional funds to enhance our wildlife conservation efforts, it will demonstrate the positive benefits of our animal enrichment activities which are an important part of the care and welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums.”

Creating art is safe for the animals; the paints are non-toxic and washable.  Some animals use a paintbrush while others chose to paint with their paws, claws, tails and scales.  Artist animals at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have included elephants, gorillas, frogs, rhinoceros, Komodo dragons and more.

“Zoos and aquariums accredited by AZA are committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare,” said Pam McKissick, founder and CEO of Auction Network.  “These institutions are leaders in conservation science and education, protecting wildlife and wild places and connecting millions of people to this important cause. Auction Network is excited to bring this dynamic auction to animal and art lovers worldwide.”

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Auction Network is the first 24/7, multimedia network solely dedicated to auctions. Auction Network celebrates the sport and competitive spirit of auctions with a fast-paced, interactive programming environment where buyers meet sellers.

NCTA-BOOTH #3341

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Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.          

Photos courtesy of the Lousiville Zoo, Kara Bussabarger photographer.

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