Monkey business in the art world

N’Dowe, is a lowland gorilla whose species is critically endangered. He was given art materials to see how he would react.

Now, the seven-year-old’s masterpieces are being sold by Paignton Zoo in Devon to raise money for international ape conservation.

Zoo keepers Craig Gilchrist and Ms Miller acted as artist’s assistants, putting blobs of paint on the canvas and letting N’Dowe use his fingers.

Senior keeper Mr Gilchrist said: “He seemed to enjoy it – he got paint all over himself and us.”

One piece is a vibrant red and purple abstract artwork on a small canvas, while three more are slightly larger and feature greens and oranges.

Zoo spokesman Phil Knowling said: “We can’t be sure, but it’s possible that the vigorous use of bold colour is a comment on the brutal way the natural habitat of gorillas and other species is being destroyed around the world.”