Next came Georgia Gerber s gorilla exhibit, and more recently, the ravens, otters and wolf pups by Tony Angell at Northern Trail. These sculptures help people to understand the actual size and detail of the animals represented. Aside from the beauty of each piece, a goal of the artists was to induce interaction and the use of more than one sense by providing a memorable tactile experience for zoo visitors in place of touching the real animals. Like the footprint sculptures around the zoo, these exciting bronze pieces entice visitors to linger at the exhibit to better appreciate the animals. Location is extensively researched for the sculpted animals to ensure authenticity of setting.
Placement is important for the non-animal pieces, too.
Constance DeJong s talking benches, for instance, are located just where the Temperate Forest surroundings provide the right peaceful, quiet atmosphere the pieces require and also where visitors walking from one exhibit to the next would need and appreciate them. Seattle Art Institute s stylized animals atop the gates greet zoo visitors. A national model, this program sets aside for works of art one percent of the budget on city funded capital improvement projects. The program dates back to 1924 when Alice Carr was commissioned to create the Rose Garden fountain. Other art at the zoo, like the pieces mentioned earlier, were either given directly by the artist or commissioned by generous donors.