I see used spark plugs, shock absorbers, food cans, and metal pipes as rusty recyclables; Kioko Mwitiki sees the makings of a new animal sculpture! This famous artist from Kenya breathes life into recycled metal in a most creative way. His unique animal designs have been exhibited across East Africa and Europe, and now he’s returned to the San Diego Zoo and will be here through mid-October!

Kioko discovered his artistic talent while apprenticing as a welder in a milk-can factory. During breaks, he would take metal scraps and weld them together in interesting shapes for amusement. But soon, customers were buying his “art,” and one of them asked Kioko to fashion a small elephant sculpture. Today, Kioko runs an art studio in Kenya, teaching groups of young men his craft as a way to help them stay out of trouble and lead productive lives.

Inspired by the wildlife he observed growing up in Kajiado, a town near the outskirts of Nairobi, Kioko makes a variety of African animals large, small, and in-between. You can see much of his artwork displayed throughout Zoo grounds: from the life-size (yes!) giraffe and camel that proudly stand on the Zoo’s front plaza to a rhino and hyena hanging out at our Treetops complex. Whimsical porcupines, frogs, warthogs, and even dung beetles rolling a dung ball have found temporary homes along the paths of Elephant Odyssey.

Kioko says creating a new sculpture is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but one where you’re not sure where all the pieces are to be found. He prowls scrap metal yards for his materials and ideas: those car doors would make great elephant ears; that exhaust pipe is just what a scorpion needs. It may take one or two years before all the pieces are in place!

While here at the Zoo, Kioko enjoys observing some animals not native to Africa, including our orangutans and crowned pigeons, and chatting with Zoo guests about his art. Come see for yourself the clever ways this talented artist turns trash to treasure!

Debbie Andreen is an associate editor for the San Diego Zoo.

Meet Kioko at the ZooStore gift shop at the Zoo’s exitTuesdays through Sundays. For a limited time only, we are offering 20% off his sculptures. Some of his pieces are also available through our online store, Shopzoo.com.

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