Zoo Miami Wants Artists for Panther Statue and Wall Murals

Zoo Miami has two artist opportunities: design a panther statue for auction and create murals on zoo walls. Both focus on conservation and wildlife.

Panther Statue Project

Zoo Miami, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, is seeking a talented artist to design an Everglades-inspired panther statue as part of Panthers on the Prowl.

The Deal: Your panther gets displayed publicly, then auctioned at the 2026 Feast with the Beasts fundraiser. Money goes to Zoo Miami Foundation's education and conservation programs.

Project Details

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your creativity to a cause that supports wildlife and environmental education.

Zoo Miami Walls Program

Animals and wild places are disappearing, right here in our backyard and across the globe. Zoo Miami Walls invites artists and muralists to use their creativity and passion for visual representation to help us tell a story about wildlife, conservation, and the fragility of our natural world.

Current Status: Not accepting applications at this time.

Zoo Miami Walls allows artists to fill the Zoo's empty wall space with interpretations of animals, conservation, and nature. The goal: help move people to think about wildlife differently and make a difference in the world.

Application Process (When Open)

When applications reopen, artists need to:

Why Apply

Zoo Miami gets over a million visitors annually. Your art will reach families, school groups, and tourists from around the world. Plus, you're contributing to actual conservation work, not just decoration.

The panther project specifically supports education and conservation initiatives led by Zoo Miami Foundation. Your work becomes part of fundraising that directly impacts wildlife protection.

Next Steps

For the panther statue: applications are open now through August 20. Submit your application and help bring this powerful symbol to life.

For wall murals: keep checking their website since they're not currently accepting applications but the program is ongoing.

Both opportunities let you create art that matters while reaching massive audiences who care about wildlife and conservation.

Panther statue applications close August 20, 2025. Submit to Zoo Miami today. Wall mural applications are currently closed but check back for future opportunities.

How to Apply

Submission Guidelines

Artists must submit a comprehensive proposal including: detailed project description and artistic vision, portfolio of previous work (minimum 10 high-resolution images), preliminary sketches or concept drawings, project timeline and milestones, detailed budget breakdown including materials and labor, artist statement and biography, three professional references, and proof of liability insurance. All digital submissions must be in PDF format with images at 300 DPI minimum. Proposals should demonstrate experience with large-scale public art, weather-resistant materials, and family-friendly themes appropriate for zoo environments.

Actionable Steps

1. Visit Zoo Miami's official website and review their public art guidelines and current opportunities in the Get Involved section

2. Contact the zoo's administration office at (305) 251-0400 to inquire about specific public art opportunities and request detailed RFP documentation

3. Prepare your proposal package including portfolio, concept sketches, timeline, budget, and artist statement according to their specifications

4. Submit your complete application package via email to info@zoomiami.org or deliver in person to their administrative offices

5. Follow up within 2-3 weeks if you haven't received confirmation of receipt of your submission

Application & Contact

Application URL: https://www.zoomiami.org/get-involved

Contact: Email: info@zoomiami.org, Phone: (305) 251-0400, Address: Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

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