In Memoriam, Ferdinand

Lovely Ferdinand , he must have appreciated your little acts of kindness. I'm never really sure about zoos we have improved so much in those intervening 60 years. I think if animals are born into captivity and kept as humanly as possible ,then there is a case for them. . To take creatures from the wild and imprison them is unforgivable . Our zoos are the only way most people are educated about animals.... I still don't really know but still enjoy them for sketching. A lovely memory.

He has an all-knowing look in his eye - I think he's forgiven you for not releasing him earlier Robert. He looks quite cuddly from a distance.

What a story line that is and what a powerful shape he makes against a rather impressive lighter background. It's obvious that you consider your colours carefully Robert, I take a rather more 'gung ho' approach and just go for it, possibly to my detriment on occasions.

Poor old Ferdinand. I remember Bristol Zoo was quite confined 40 years or so ago. I got quite upset how the animals would pace up and down and obviously show that they were unhappy. I visited the Zoo again last year and found it to be much better, but they did not have the same selection of animals. There are a fair few roaming free in Yellowstone after the slaughter by Europeans in order to deprive the native Americans of food. They looked very calm there - just interested in eating grass and breeding. Your fine painting is a great tribute to a fine animal. He may have been aggressive in his cage, but he would have been even more aggressive with a puma on his back, in the US of A.

He looks a mighty beast Robert, looking good in his newly found freedom. Lovely story, it's so sad when animals are caged etc., I still hate the sight of the circus but I'm sure that has improved in latter years. Why are (some of) us humans so cruel. I could go on ........

He's a fine and handsome beast Robert.

Beautiful tribute to this magnificent creature.