ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day Database: Antarctic

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

#637: Gentoo Penguin

We interrupt the alphabet to give you another penguin! Because who doesn't love penguins?

The Gentoo Penguin is the third largest living Penguin species. He breeds on sub-Antarctic islands such as the Falklands, South Georgia and Kerguluen, favourite ice-free areas. Awkward on land, he spends much of his time in the water pursuing prey in the form of fish, squid and krill. Dives can last for 7 minutes, and reach depths of 200 meters. Adults form long-term partnerships, working together to construct a nest of stones, moss, grass and sticks, into which are laid two eggs.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Creature Feature #440: Macaroni Penguin

The Macaroni Penguin makes his home in the frigid south: from the Subantarctic (including southern South America to the Antarctic Peninsula. He greedily devours crustaceans, particularly krill, cephalopods and small fish. He is the most widespread and populous of the penguin species, but is suffering from substantial decline. During summer, vast colonies form as the birds gather to nest. There is much beak-jousting and other aggression as hierarchies and territories are established. After breeding, the birds disperse into the oceans for 6 months.

Although populations are currently rather large (about 18 million individuals), the sharp decline has this species classified as "Vulnerable".