Recently, numerous Fremantle Dockers supporters have emerged, including Tricia the Asian elephant.
The longest-standing resident of Perth Zoo, Tricia, had her loyalty tested this week as keepers presented her with paintings of the Dockers and Hawks logos.
She confidently approached the purple canvas, indicating her preference by pointing with her trunk.
“We were really happy with her choice since she could have gone for anything,” spokesperson Debbie Read remarked.
Tricia and her younger companion, Permai, created the paintings as part of an enrichment initiative that provides both physical and mental stimulation for the elephants.
The keepers applied stencils of the team logos to the canvas, allowing the elephants to spray paint over them.
Debbie Read noted that Putra Mas, the male elephant at Perth Zoo, also enjoys painting.
“The excitement is palpable when the keepers bring out the painting tools,” she shared.
“Each elephant has a unique style and color preference.”
“We utilize non-toxic, vegetable-based paint.”
In addition to using their trunks, the elephants also create art with their feet.
Ms. Read mentioned that the paintings are sold, and the proceeds go towards wildlife conservation efforts.
