About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Friday, October 30, 2015

#714: Sperm Whale


The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed predator in the world; mature males can average 16 m in length. His diet consists mainly of squid. The name is derived from the liquid wax contained in his head, named spermaceti (because of its resemblance to semen). Its purpose to the whale remains unknown; whilst there are many theories, the most plausible is that it aids in communication with the whale's sonar, allowing him to better pinpoint the location of prey. For early whalers, however, this wax became quite a prize. Each whale contained up to 500 gallons which could be processed into oil and wax. Sperm oil (pleasant name!) remains liquid even at freezing winter temperatures, and the wax was made into candles.

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