Collaboration with zoolife: Wali the Sumatran Orangutan
As part of my illustration services, I am able to create custom illustrations for zoos, parks, and conservation organizations of their resident and ambassador animals for use on merchandise, signage, or other promotional materials.
For Earth Day 2023, I was asked by Dr. Courtney “Doc Wildlife” Dunn, Product Operations Manager for zoolife.tv to create a custom illustration of Wali the baby Sumatran orangutan who lives at the Toronto Zoo, just one of the many wonderful accredited zoos that zoolife partners with. This image was unveiled on Earth Day 2023 to be featured on several products, with sales benefitting both the Toronto Zoo and zoolife.
“Nicole’s art has always been able to perfectly capture the personalities of these animals, not only from a species standpoint but also as individuals. I knew she would be a great fit for our first venture into the merch world for zoolife!”
About zoolife
As the world’s first live and interactive virtual zoo, zoolife provides its users with live streams of animal exhibits from the world’s top accredited zoos, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centers. With over 4 billion users and growing, zoolife provides animal lovers worldwide with 24/7 access to view wild animals up close through user-controlled cameras, as well as behind-the-scenes zookeeper talks and expert interviews.
The Sumatran orangutan exhibit at the Toronto Zoo is just one of many species of animals viewable through this unique platform.
About Wali the Sumatran Orangutan
Born on April 8, 2022, Wali is the newest member of the Toronto Zoo’s Sumatran orangutan family. Wali is the second child of his mother Sekali, whose first son, Kembali, was born at the zoo in 2006.
Wali means ‘guardian’ in Indonesian, a reference to how orangutans are viewed as the guardians of the rainforest.
In creating this piece, I was provided with various reference images of Wali, showing his expressions, behavior, and most importantly, his unique markings. This enabled me to ensure that the final illustration represented him as an individual and easily recognizable by his many fans and make for a truly unique and custom work of art.
“People have absolutely loved the design and we are excited to share Wali with the world in such a creative way thanks to Nicole’s help.”
You can purchase canvas tote bags and vinyl stickers featuring this illustration of Wali the orangutan through zoolife’s online store.
Learn More About Custom Wildlife Illustration
If you’re interested in fully custom illustrations or wholesale products featuring plants and animals for your zoo or park, I’d love to work with you! I work in a variety of styles ranging from realistic to stylized interpretations of animals, plants, and natural elements in either traditional or digital media.
Browse examples and pricing here on my site or get in touch with me via the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!
