Western Lowland Gorillas

Looking Forward
11"x 14"
Colored Pencil
Private Collection

I was asked to create a piece of art for the National Zoo's Zoofari auction. During my time at the zoo gathering reference photos, I learned about Mandara and her baby Kibbi. Coincidentally, I was at the zoo for her first birthday. I learned that Mandara is a "Super Mom" and has had 6 offspring. She also was the adoptive mother to Baraka. She decided to take on the roll as his mother when he was just a few hours old. An interesting dynamic to this story is that Kibbi, is also Baraka's offspring.

I titled the piece "Looking Forward" because I felt it deserved a title that represented all the hard work that the National Zoo accomplished for wildlife. The National Zoo's mission is to advancing research and scientific knowledge on the conservation of wildlife. They have made amazing research and have helped many species at the Conservation Center. Please visit their website for more information on their extraordinary efforts.