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.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Creature Feature #448: Manta Ray

The Manta Ray are two species of large oceanic ray, with this Giant Oceanic Manta Ray reaching 7 m in width. She inhabits subtropical and tropical waters and is a filter feeder, swallowing large quantities of zooplankton. She circles her prey, herding it into a tight group before swimming through, swallowing great mouthfuls.  Her front cephalic fins - extensions of her pectoral fins - flare out to channel water, and therefore prey, towards her gaping mouth. She is always in motion, requiring the movement of water across her gills for respiration. Fertilisation is internal, and the egg hatches within the mother's oviduct and the pup receiving nutrition from a milky secretion. It is birthed some 12-13 months after mating.

Both species are classified as Vulnerable and are affected by fishing, pollution and climate change.
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