Orangutan holds first solo art exhibition in Germany

An orangutan is holding his first solo exhibition of his paintings in a zoo in Germany. Like many artists, he knows the therapeutic value of art: He took up painting after his partner died.

Buschi, who lives in Osnabrück Zoo in the western German state of Lower Saxony, is something of a prodigy - he only took up painting one year ago, when his partner Suma died. He was encouraged to do so by staff who wanted to keep him busy so he wouldn't feel so lonely.



Now Buschi, whose chosen medium is fingerpaints on paper, is holding his first solo show at the age of 34. His paintings are being shown in the ape house of Osnabrück Zoo and can be bought by visitors. Proceeds go to the charity Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which works to save orangutans and their habitat in their native Indonesia.

The exhibition can be seen in Osnabrück Zoo until the end of September.

There's a gallery of photos here.