When it comes to artistic talent, these animals didn’t just make a splash—they made a fortune. From pigs to elephants, their masterpieces have stunned collectors, raised millions, and even sparked global controversies. Ranked from the most affordable to the utterly outrageous, here are the most incredible works of animal art ever sold.
1. Peter the Painting Elephant – $2,000 per piece
In the 1950s and 60s, Peter the Elephant made waves in the art world with his bold, abstract creations. Using his trunk to wield the brush, Peter crafted vivid, sweeping compositions that collectors couldn’t resist. His works sold for around $2,000 each, with proceeds supporting zoo programs. Peter’s innovative career paved the way for other elephant artists, making him a true pioneer in the world of animal art. (Estimated price: $2,000)
2. Dagger the Painting Dog – $2,000
YouTube
Known as “Dog Vinci,” Dagger is a Labrador Retriever who paints with a brush held in his mouth. His bold, colorful strokes have sold for as much as $2,000, with proceeds benefiting canine charities. Critics call his work “joyful chaos,” as Dagger’s unique style blends vibrant colors into mesmerizing abstracts. This good boy’s artistic instincts prove he’s more than just man’s best friend—he’s also an artistic genius. (Estimated price: $2,000)
3. Metro Meteor the Painting Racehorse – $2,500
The Atlantic via YouTube
When injuries forced Metro Meteor off the racetrack, this former champion found a new calling with a paintbrush. By holding the brush in his mouth, Metro created bold, abstract paintings that sold for up to $2,500 each. His work, filled with energetic strokes and vibrant colors, captivated collectors, and proceeds supported racehorse aftercare programs. Metro proved that creativity doesn’t stop at the finish line—it gallops ahead. (Estimated price: $2,500)
4. Suda the Elephant’s Masterpieces – $3,000 per piece
Suda, a Thai elephant, has earned global recognition for her abstract paintings, which sell for around $3,000 each. Her cumulative sales total over $1.5 million, with standout pieces like Elephant Walking showcasing her instinctive artistry. Each stroke supports her sanctuary, proving that Suda isn’t just a creator—she’s a conservationist icon. (Estimated price: $3,000 per piece)
5. Bryan Adams & the Painting Chimps – $10,000
The Times
When rocker Bryan Adams joined forces with chimpanzees from the Save the Chimps sanctuary, the art world went bananas. During Miami Art Week, 15 chimpanzees contributed bold, colorful strokes to canvases in a stunning collaboration with Adams. The result? A series of abstract masterpieces that sold for up to $10,000 each, with proceeds supporting the sanctuary. Fans were captivated by the raw energy and unique brushwork of these talented apes. It’s proof that even rockstars know—sometimes, the best collaborators are wild. (Confirmed sale: $10,000)
6. Cholla the Painting Horse – $10,000
Cholla, a mustang-quarter horse mix, galloped his way into art fame with his expressive brushwork. Holding a brush in his mouth, Cholla created vibrant paintings that sold for up to $10,000. His work was even featured in European exhibitions, where it was praised for its raw energy and emotion. Cholla’s creations captured the spirit of the untamed West, proving that art can come from anywhere—even the stables. (Confirmed sale: $10,000)
7. Ruby the Elephant’s Paintings – $25,000
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Ruby, a Phoenix Zoo elephant, didn’t just stomp around—she painted her way into the hearts of art collectors. One of her bold, abstract works sold for $25,000, with proceeds benefiting wildlife conservation. Ruby’s natural talent and eye for color made her a favorite among fans, who compared her work to abstract masters. Even today, Ruby’s legacy continues to inspire awe. (Confirmed sale: $25,000)
8. Elephant Herd Collaborative Painting – $25,000
A group of elephants from a Thai sanctuary joined forces to create a breathtaking abstract masterpiece that sold for $25,000 at a charity auction. Each elephant contributed unique strokes and colors, resulting in a vibrant masterpiece that captured the bond between these gentle giants. The sale funded wildlife conservation efforts, making this painting as impactful as it is beautiful. (Confirmed sale: $25,000)
9. Congo the Chimpanzee – $26,000
Collections GetArchive
Back in the 1950s, Congo the Chimpanzee amazed critics with his natural talent for abstract art. His paintings, praised for their balance and composition, earned him fans like Pablo Picasso. In 2005, three of Congo’s pieces sold for $26,000 at auction, outshining works by Warhol and Renoir in the same sale. Congo’s legacy proves that great art can come from the most unexpected sources. (Confirmed sale: $26,000)
10. Pigcasso’s Abstracts – $27,000
New York Daily News
Meet Pigcasso, the pig who paints—and cash in. Rescued from a slaughterhouse, Pigcasso became a global sensation with her bold, colorful works of abstract art. Her piece, Wild and Free, sold for a staggering $27,000, setting a record for pig-created art. Pigcasso’s talent has landed her exhibitions around the world, with proceeds supporting animal welfare causes. She’s not just an artist—she’s a symbol of survival and creativity. (Confirmed sale: $27,000
11. Koko the Gorilla’s Artwork – Estimated $50,000
YouTube
Known for her sign language abilities, Koko the Gorilla also created paintings that reflected her emotional intelligence. Though her works haven’t gone to auction, experts estimate they could fetch $50,000 due to Koko’s global fame. Her colorful, simple brushstrokes resonate with fans, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most beloved animals. (Estimated price: $50,000)
12. Monkey Selfies by Naruto – $2 Million
Wikipedia
When a crested macaque named Naruto snapped a selfie on a photographer’s camera, the world went wild. The photo, valued at $2 million, sparked legal debates over copyright and animal rights. Though unconventional, Naruto’s selfie became a symbol of wildlife conservation and the quirks of the animal kingdom. This accidental masterpiece reminds us that great art sometimes happens by chance.
