The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced the winners of its Chimpanzee Art Contest on Thursday.
Six sanctuaries across the U.S. submitted an original piece of art from one of their retired chimpanzees. All of these animals have a had a rough life, having once been used for medical research, forced into acting, or locked up in zoos and circuses. Painting is one activity that is used to cheer the chimps up once they are released into a safe haven.
The chimps seem to have an exceptional talent for this medium, each with their own aesthetic.
The first-place winner, a 37-year-old chimp named Brent, for example, used only his tongue to paint a purple, yellow, and blue masterpiece. There was also a second- and third-place winner. All six sanctuaries will get a $500 grant from the HSUS just for participating.
Some of the sanctuaries apparently told the chimps that they won, Nicole Ianni, a representative for the humane society, tells us.
The paintings will be auctioned on eBay later this year to benefit the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance.
Ripley, like many chimpanzees, was used as an actor before he was dumped in a roadside zoo. He eventually found his way to the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Fla. His caretakers are impressed with his resilience and forgiveness.
Ripley took home third place and a $2,500 grant for this piece of art.
Cheetah, who was probably born in the 1970s, lived alone in a laboratory for 19 years. He was rescued by Save the Chimps in Ft. Pierce, Fla. in 2002.
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