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Wall panel On the World Map

Bringing Endangered Species to Life: My Experience at the Lithuanian Zoological Garden

In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a group of talented artists led by Jolanta Šmidtienė, from the “Textiles and Painters Guild” (VšĮ). Together, we worked on the transformation of the exotarium at the Lithuanian Zoological Garden in Kaunas—a unique open educational space designed to engage and inspire visitors.

Nestled in the beautiful Ąžuolynas Oak Grove Park, the Lithuanian Zoological Garden spans 15.66 hectares, serving as both a sanctuary for animals and an educational hub. As part of the zoo’s renovation, I was tasked with creating a decorative wall panel at the main entrance, titled “On the World’s Map”—a visual representation of endangered species across the globe. This project was both creatively challenging and deeply rewarding.

The process of bringing this vision to life took several months. The wall I worked on was 22 meters long and 3 meters high, and before the painting could begin, it had to be meticulously prepared. The wall was plastered, and the shapes of oak leaves (Ažuolyno), the zoo logo, and the rare endangered golden (Osmoderma barnabita) beetle were embedded into the plaster. These details were carefully crafted and then removed to create the desired relief.

One of the most intricate parts of the project involved the map itself. To achieve a dimensional look, the majority of countries had to be cut as separate pieces, each one colored with natural wood veneer and assembled at various heights from the base. This technique gave the map a layered, three-dimensional effect, bringing the world’s endangered fauna to life in a visually striking way.

Another element of the project involved producing custom glass pieces. Each part of the map required precise planning to ensure the correct positioning for hanging before the glass panels itselves were assembled. The precision demanded in this phase was overwhelming, and it was here that designer Laura from Laurum Design came to the rescue. Her expertise with IT also allowed us to cut the letters needed for the installation, which then had to be carefully hand-processed and prepared for gilding.

As with any large-scale project, challenges were inevitable. The number of animal figurines grew from initial 45 to 50, adding pressure as time ran short, as they had to be hand carved. The gilding process on wood proved to be particularly tricky and had to be redone multiple times to achieve the perfect finish. However, despite the setbacks, the wall gradually took shape, and I was able to complete the piece just one week before the grand reopening of the Lithuanian Zoological Garden, which had been undergoing renovations for three years.

On November 13, 2023, the zoo opened its doors to the public, and it was thrilling to see my work as part of this beautifully revitalized space.

What a project it was—a true test of skill, patience, and collaboration, and a testament to the power of art in raising awareness for endangered species.

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