Virginia Zoo Acquires Fourth Elephant!

Painting donation symbolizes partnership between Virginia Zoo and Virginia Living Museum

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NORFOLK , VA – In an enormous gesture of partnership and collaboration, the Living Museum helped enlarge the Virginia Zoo's elephant herd with a generous gift of an original elephant painting. Page Hayhurst, executive director of the Virginia Living Museum, and artist Jim Wilson presented the artwork today at the Virginia Zoo.

 “This is an incredible gift that will enhance the Zoo,” notes Greg Bockheim, executive director of the Zoo. “It is a large, beautiful portrait of a magnificent elephant. We love our three girls on exhibit and will be proud to display this piece by renowned artist Jim Wilson. We also are thrilled that this piece symbolizes the wonderful relationship the Zoo shares with the Virginia Living Museum . We are two organizations committed to efforts that encourage conservation and appreciation of our world's wildlife and priceless natural resources.”

The elephant painting, valued at $20,000, will be treasured at the Zoo which features three African elephants on exhibit. The ladies, Monica, Lisa and Cita, are themselves artists, who enjoy creating modern works of art on canvases held by human helpers.

The painting donated by the Living Museum was created by Jim Wilson, an award-winning wildlife artist and naturalist. His work has been displayed worldwide, and his most recent exhibition, “On The Edge,” was developed with the Virginia Living Museum and shows his commitment and passion for a natural world that is quickly dwindling. For more information about Wilson , visit his website at http://jimwilsongallery.com.

About the Virginia Living Museum

The Virginia Living Museum 's mission is to connect people to nature through educational experiences. The Virginia Living Museum is a leader in its use of native wildlife to present its message – stimulating knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the living world. Visitors encounter more habitats, wildlife and plant species that would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia . The exhibits showcase all of the state's regions, from the upland coves of the Appalachian Mountains to the salty offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean and features more than 245 animal species. The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard . Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. , Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12). Visit www.thevlm.org or call (757) 595-1900.

About the Virginia Zoo

The mission of the Virginia Zoological Society is to ensure that the Virginia Zoological Park thrives as a superior zoological institution, reaching its fullest potential to serve people, animals and the environment. As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ) facility, the Virginia Zoo spans 53 acres adjacent to Lafayette Park and is bordered by the Lafayette River . Zoo “residents” from around the world include more than 350 animals representing 115 species set in beautifully manicured grounds. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

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Elephant Painting: Artist Jim Wilson (left) and Page Hayhurst, executive director of the Virginia Living Museum (far right) present an original oil painting entitled” In Defense - African Elephant” to Greg Bockheim, executive director of the Virginia Zoo.

Elephants in Yard: Virginia Zoo elephants Monica (left) and Lisa (right) are thrilled that the Virginia Living Museum donated an original painting of an African elephant to the Zoo. Joining the ladies in the elephant yard are the artist, Jim Wilson, Virginia Living Museum executive director, Page Hayhurst, and Virginia Zoo executive director, Greg Bockheim.