Add another distinction to Kanzi's long list of accomplishments - commissioned artist. At a downtown gala last night in Des Moines, a painting by the world famous Great Ape Trust bonobo was unveiled as the cover art for the 2011 Book of Lists.
"Though our cover artist hasn't yet become a famous name in art circles, he's definitely a superstar within the bonobo community. And for good reason," said Janette Larkin, publisher of the Des Moines Business Record. "Kanzi, was featured last fall on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Anderson Cooper 360, has appeared in numerous national publications including National Geographic and TIME, and has jammed with Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel."
Those from Great Ape Trust attending the Book of Lists Unveiling Party included Director of Scientific Research, William M. Fields and Scientist with Special Standing, Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh.
"Kanzi's works do seem to be the most creative of all ape paintings as he has a fluid quality and a sense of line to them that is unique," said Savage-Rumbaugh. "Kanzi is most fortunate to be in a community that values his creativity in this way."
The Book of Lists, published by the Des Moines Business Record, is one of the most popular reference guides in the business community and includes information about more than 600 companies, non-profit organizations and governmental units.
To read more about Kanzi's Book of Lists painting, go here.
Background Information
Great Ape Trust is a scientific research facility in Des Moines, Iowa, dedicated to understanding the origins and future of culture, language, tools and intelligence, and to the preservation of endangered great apes in their natural habitats. Announced in 2002 and receiving its first ape residents in 2004, Great Ape Trust is home to a colony of seven bonobos involved in noninvasive interdisciplinary studies of their cognitive and communicative capabilities, and to two orangutans. To learn more about Great Ape Trust, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, go to GreatApeTrust.org
