Chimpanzee Print by Gino Acevedo, Signed by Jane Goodall & Gino Acevedo

Footnotes

This powerful artwork by acclaimed visual effects artist and wildlife illustrator Gino Acevedo captures the soulful gaze of a chimpanzee, reflecting the deep intelligence and emotion of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Acevedo, renowned for his contributions to iconic films like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar, brings his passion for wildlife conservation to life through his art. This particular piece pays homage to Dr. Jane Goodall's pioneering work with chimpanzees, symbolizing the intimate connection between humans and animals.

The story behind this painting is both heartfelt and poignant. The chimpanzee in the portrait, named Jesse, once belonged to a friend of Acevedo's who raised chimps and orangutans for the film industry. With Jane's intervention, Jesse and others were retired from their roles in the business and brought to the safety of a sanctuary in Florida, where Jesse lived a long, happy life until her passing just a few years ago.

This print, created using airbrush and colored pencils, is signed by both Gino Acevedo and Dr. Jane Goodall, making it a truly rare and collectible item. It stands as a testament to the tireless work of Dr. Jane Goodall and the importance of protecting the wild.