Some animals create paintings through training and enrichment programs, while others produce complex, art-like structures in the wild without human involvement. Famous examples include Pigcasso, a South African pig whose abstract paintings sold for over $27,000, and Congo, a chimpanzee from the 1950s whose works demonstrated compositional balance and fetched high auction prices. Elephants, orangutans, and even horses have participated in voluntary painting sessions, often as mental stimulation and enrichment, with proceeds supporting conservation and rescue efforts. In the wild, species like pufferfish and bowerbirds build intricate patterns and structures that resemble artistic design but serve reproductive purposes.

These animal-created artworks challenge traditional views of creativity, highlighting animal intelligence, choice, and engagement rather than intentional artistic expression as humans understand it. While debate continues over whether animals truly create “art,” their behaviors emphasize the importance of mental stimulation and enrichment across species. The value placed on these works often reflects storytelling, conservation support, and human interpretation more than conventional artistic intent, inviting a broader appreciation of creativity beyond human culture.