Oakland Zoo inhabitants have been exploring their creative sides this month and the results are pretty amazing.

Orchestrated by Oakland Zoo keepers, animals from all walks of life are getting to express their colorful and bright personalities through the power of painting. Elephants, parrots, lemurs, and even a cockroach are creating beautiful works of abstract art that will be up for auction to benefit Oakland Zoo’s conservation partners. 

In case you're worried, the animals are using only toxic-free, water-based paints with a lot of positive-reinforcement, including plenty of treats and breaks. No animals were harmed in the making of these masterpieces. 

Last year, the Oakland Zoo auctioned off twelve works of art and raised nearly $10,000. This year, the paintings will be exhibited from September 17-20 at The Blueprint in Oakland. Bidding will end September 20th so make sure to have your cold hard cash ready.

Swing by and snag a painting or two - that is, if we don't buy them all first.

(Paint brushes dangle from an enclosed cage for bats to move around freely. Photo via Oakland Zoo.)