Important Animal Welfare Messages Hidden in Banksy’s Art
Banksy’s latest animal-inspired artworks have ignited a global conversation about their secret hidden meaning. What began as a solitary piece of London street art depicting a goat, has rapidly evolved into a city-wide enigma, with each new artwork sparking fresh waves of speculation and intrigue. As the number of murals grew, so too did the public interest surrounding their supposed hidden meaning. Online theories ranged from outspoken social commentary to clues for a cryptic puzzle. Here at Wild Welfare we have drawn our own conclusions to the messages behind the wildlife-themed art.
Banksy Elephant Artwork in London
As an internationally active animal welfare charity, we believe that every captive animal deserves the opportunity to express their natural instincts and live a good life. Banksy’s latest artworks depict a range of species engaging in naturalistic behaviours, and we believe these murals serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing enriched environments for animals under human care. Let’s delve deeper into the thought provoking messages hidden within Banksy’s animal art and explore their link towards our continued progress towards creating better lives for animals in captivity.
Banksy’s depictions of a climbing goat, socialising elephants, swinging monkeys, and a howling wolf, highlight some fundamental needs of these animals. Each species exhibits unique behaviours that are essential for their physical and mental well-being. By observing animals in their natural habitats, we have gained valuable scientific insights into how to emulate and create key opportunities for animals to thrive within a captive setting.
Banksy’s Swinging Monkeys
An enriched environment that allows an individual animal to have choice and control over their own actions, mobility, socialising, and bonding can be very important for some species such as (but certainly not limited to) elephants and primates. Through our vital work, Wild Welfare often encounters these species in constrictive or reductive environments with limited behavioural opportunities. We work closely with zoos, aquariums, rescue centres and sanctuaries to sustainably address these issues. Swinging (also known as brachiation), promotes physical fitness and mental well-being for primates, especially those that naturally live in the treetop canopy. Communication within species allows individuals to keep in touch with each other, maintain social bonds and express emotions. We believe this is beautifully depicted in Banksy’s fourth piece unofficially entitled ‘The Howling Wolf’.
Banksy’s Pelicans Feeding on Fish
Banksy also drew attention to the importance of natural feeding behaviours and providing animals with variety within their diet. Imagine if you had to eat the same thing every day, you might get bored of it too! Natural foraging behaviours can often be achieved by encouraging cognitive challenges e.g. problem-solving through varying feeding locations, times and methods (ie using enriching puzzle feeder devices and scattering feeding instead of using a bowl or trough).
Wild Welfare is committed to working with captive wildlife facilities around the globe to create environments that meet the complex needs of all animals. By prioritising meeting the unique needs of every animal, we can move closer to a world where all wildlife under human care can experience a fulfilling life.
What are your thoughts on Banksy’s artwork? Do you see any other hidden messages? Share your interpretations and ideas for improving the lives of captive animals on our Thread page here.
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