Ode to Jane
Doris Duncan Howard
Prismacolor Pencil Drawing, on Pastel Paper
17" x 21" framed with mat

Jane Goodall, whose lifelong work as a primatologist helped broaden the world's understanding of animal behavior and emotions, passed away at 91 in October 2025. Her field studies with chimpanzees not only broke barriers for women and changed the way scientists study animals, but documented emotions and personality traits within these primates that blurred the line between humans and the animal kingdom.

Dr. Goodall's discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world. Goodall was named Messenger of Peace by the United Nations in 2002, appointed Dame of the British Empire in 2004, and awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Goodall arrived in Tanzania's Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in 1960 at the request of her boss, renowned anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. There, the 26-year-old who had long been fascinated with Africa and its animals - but had no formal higher education - began her groundbreaking work observing and studying these intellectual primates in their natural habitat. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, and in 1991 she began Roots & Shoots, an environmental program for young people.

In 2021, Zoo New England presented Jane Goodall with the E.O. Wilson Living the Mission Award. Because it was during the Covid outbreak, Jane received the award via zoom from her home in London. Doris Duncan Howard is proud to have been the artist whose drawing of Little Joe was represented in this award. Last July, a Uganda Gorilla Safari was hosted by ZNE former CEO, John Linehan. Kibale Forest National Park, known for many kinds of primates, specifically chimpanzees, was one of the parks visited. The photo that Doris took and worked from was one of the Kibale male chimps.

Doris Duncan Howard has been a professional artist, specializing in animal portraits, for over 50 years. She has a BFA from Syracuse and an MFA from Boston University. After 38 years as an Art Educator/Department Head, Doris has been volunteering for 18 years at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She also has been volunteering at Zoo New England for 10 years. "My love of animals brought me to Zoo New England, where I have been an Art Auction Director of the Zootopia Art Auction committee, drawing their animals for this annual fundraiser."

Please note: This item is not eligible for shipping. If you are unable to pick up at Zootopia, please contact zootopia@zoonewengland.org to make alternate arrangements.

Kenyan Elephant Sculpture, 1/18
Denis Mathews
Bronze
8" x 5", weight: 2 lb. 5 oz

Sculpted in 1999 and cast in bronze, this is a limited edition of 18.

Matbronze Wildlife Art Gallery & Foundry, located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, is the organization and studio founded by renowned sculptor Denis Mathews. Established in 1987, it is the first bronze foundry in Kenya and East Africa and is internationally recognized for its cast bronze wildlife sculptures.

Denis Mathews was born in Kenya and grew up surrounded by the wilderness of the Maasai Mara and Kenya's natural landscapes. Although he studied mechanical engineering at university, he eventually left the field to pursue his passion for art and wildlife. Working with discarded metal, he began sculpting animals using plasticine (a type of wax), developing his forms first in clay before refining them into detailed bronze sculptures.

Over time, Denis built a highly skilled team to support the foundry's production process, including wax-making, casting, grinding, and polishing. What began as a small workshop evolved into a respected international studio whose sculptures are collected around the world. Now in his seventies, Denis continues to live and work in Kenya, overseeing operations at Matbronze. Proceeds from the foundry's work support the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya.

Please note: This item is not eligible for shipping. If you are unable to pick up at Zootopia, please contact zootopia@zoonewengland.org to make alternate arrangements.

Giraffes
Ronnie Gould
Hand built in stone ware, raku fired
12" x 12" x 18"

This hand-built giraffe pair pays tribute to the Masai giraffes at Franklin Park Zoo, Chad and Amari.

Masai giraffes are a subspecies of the Masai giraffe, native to Kenya and Tanzania. They are the tallest land animals, recognized for their jagged, vine-like dark patches that extend down the legs, and each individual's coat pattern is unique. This subspecies has faced population decline in recent decades due to habitat loss and poaching pressures, making conservation efforts in protected reserves and zoos especially important.

Ronnie Gould is from Boston, MA and is renowned for her raku fired sculptures. She has been sculpting animals for over 25 years and has a keen interest in animals, particularly dogs. Her works have a certain life-like quality that captures the animal's essence. Her work is featured in Lacoste Gallery and Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery.

Please note: This item is not eligible for shipping. If you are unable to pick up at Zootopia, please contact zootopia@zoonewengland.org to make alternate arrangements.

Impalas with Sheep
Signed by the Artist
"Bark Cloth", Handmade Artist Paint
12" x 16", framed

This "Bark Cloth" was created by a local artist in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, Africa.

This simple but beautiful "fabric," has been a part of Uganda's identity for over 600 years. It's not just cloth; it is a skilled art passed down through generations and made by workers known as "bark beaters."

To make the cloth, only the bark is removed, and the tree grows back again, making the practice sustainable and eco-friendly. The process begins early when the bark is soft. The outer bark of the tree is peeled away to reach the inner bark and removed in one long piece without permanently harming the tree. The tree is then wrapped in banana leaves to heal and be harvested again.

The stripped bark is boiled in water to soften it, and then laid on a wooden block and beaten with a special mallet for hours. This makes the bark wider, softer and cloth-like. It can take an entire day to finish one piece. When dried in the sun, it develops a rusty brown color and may be dyed, shaped further, used for many articles of clothing or creating a "canvas" for local artwork.

Impalas were wild in Uganda, Africa, before the British arrived in the 19th century. The king used the hills as a private hunting ground. This is how Kampala, the capitol of Uganda, got its name. Because they are very hardy and resilient, Dorper sheep are actively raised to boost household incomes, particularly for youth and women.

Please note: This item is not eligible for shipping. If you are unable to pick up at Zootopia, please contact zootopia@zoonewengland.org to make alternate arrangements.

Roller Coaster
Original painting by Little Joe, Western Lowland Gorilla
Finger paints on paper
16" x 16", framed

Little Joe is a Western lowland gorilla who spent 29 years at Franklin Park Zoo. He began finger painting at the age of 12 as part of an enrichment program designed to provide intellectual stimulation and encourage creativity. Working with nontoxic finger paints on paper, Little Joe developed a unique artistic style that has delighted zoo guests and staff alike. Created by Little Joe during his last months at Franklin Park Zoo, this piece carries added rarity and significance now that the beloved artist has relocated to Pittsburgh Zoo.

Born on February 6, 1993 at the Bronx Zoo, Little Joe came to Franklin Park Zoo in 1997 when he was four years old. This past May, he was relocated to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium following months of careful planning and collaboration. Moves like this are made thoughtfully and with the animals' long-term wellbeing in mind.

Zoo New England is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and participates in the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan, working with other zoos to support the health and sustainability of gorillas in managed care. The breeding recommendation for Little Joe, now 33 years old, was carefully considered based on genetics and troop dynamics. In addition to being a strong genetic match, Little Joe's gentle temperament makes him an excellent fit for his new troop. Anyone who has watched him interact with Pablo knows how patient, accepting, and nurturing he has always been with younger gorillas.

While Little Joe will be greatly missed by his care team and the entire zoo community, his legacy at Franklin Park Zoo, both as an ambassador for his species and as an artist, will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.

Please note: This item is not eligible for shipping. If you are unable to pick up at Zootopia, please contact zootopia@zoonewengland.org to make alternate arrangements.

Capture your beloved pet's personality in a realistic hand-drawn portrait by local artist Doris Duncan Howard!

The custom pet drawing will be based on photos you provide the artist, to create a treasured drawing of your pet(s) in high-quality Prismacolor Pencils on pastel paper. A 2" cream-colored mat is included. By using colored pencils, subtle details of individual hairs/fur or feathers/scales can be reproduced.

The average size of a finished drawing is 11"x14" before matting. Size will vary depending on whether the whole animal is drawn, or just their face.

Doris Duncan Howard was an art educator for 36 years, and a professional artist for 50 years, specializing in Pet Portraits. She is now actively involved leading student tours at the MFA Boston, and working closely with many animal rescue alliances. "My love of animals brought me to Zoo New England in 2014, where I have been a member of the Zootopia Art Auction committee, illustrating their animals for this annual fundraiser."

Restrictions: Must be redeemed within six months of purchase (12/6/2026).

Please note: Zoo New England is not responsible for lost or expired certificates.