This framed and matted piece of original animal art, with photo of the artist at work, is a foot print created by the happy feet of Peep, a Gentoo Penguin. Made using white, green and blue non-toxic paint on black poster-board, the artwork also includes textured scratches made as this brush-tailed penguin dragged her stiff tail through the paint.

Peep is a curious 17-year old female Gentoo that inhabits Penguins’ Rock at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is one of only two Gentoo penguins who chooses to paint as an animal enrichment activity in the gallery back-up area. When painting was first introduced, Peep had cold feet and was very skittish — but after several sessions, she became more comfortable with walking in paint. After she walks through the paint, a tasty snack of smelt goes a long way toward rewarding her for her efforts!