If you missed on on getting your hands on these reference photos through my Patreon membership in the past, have no fear, because you can get them here!! Join now to not miss out on getting exclusive monthly content going forward!! https://patreon.com/DolphinSoulCreations
 
Meet Gronk, an Indian rhinoceros, also known as a greater one-horned rhinoceros!!! This little guy wasn't even a year old when I captured this photo at ZooTampa. He will grow up to be the largest of the rhino species! Unlike Southern white rhinos, the Indian rhino is one of just two species of rhino that only has one horn and their skin looks like armor making them truly unique! (That's his mom Jamie standing behind him you can see her 'armor'). I was very fortunate to have been apart of his journey from 3 weeks old and on. You wont' believe what he looks like now!

Did you know that May 1st is Save the Rhino Day?

This day is centered around raising awareness of the rhino’s plight in the world, and highlighting ways to help this incredible animal. This day is especially important given the current devastating statistics — on average, one rhino is poached somewhere in the world every 22 hours. Various animal rights organizations, non-profit companies, zoos, animal activists, and other concerned groups provide opportunities to encourage more rhino conservation efforts from people around the world.

If you purchase any Rhino photos from my website this month, I will donate 50% of sales to rhino conservation efforts! https://www.dolphinsoulcreations.com/search-results?q=rhino
 
May, the month of sunshine, blooming flowers, and endless possibilities!

This month is full of incredibly unique wildlife days that I wanted to highlight on and give you species that are def not easy to find for reference photos!

Second Saturday of May - World BINTURONG DAY! A bintur-what? A bintur-right? No, a binturong!! Most people have never heard of a binturong let alone seen one in person, which is a good reason zoos everywhere are celebrating them and I want to provide you with photo! I will share others later but I thought the lighting on this one was so striking, it was must share!

Binturongs are mammals about the size of a medium-size dog. They are native to the forests of China, India, Indonesia and Southeast Asian forests, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo. Something really unusual about them is their scent—they smell like hot buttered popcorn!

May 16th - International SUN BEAR DAY!! The Sun Bear is the world's smallest bear, but despite their diminutive size, it has the largest tongue of any bear. It also has a bigger brain relative to its body size than any land carnivore. They are named for the golden patches of fur on their chests, which some people say resemble a rising sun. They will stand up and walk a little and truly looks like a human in a bear suit, it's def a sight to see! This photo is of Casey at ZooTampa in Florida!

May 20th - World BEE DAY! It is marked as world bee day because it coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer beekeeper from Slovenia born in 1734! Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival. I made sure my flower garden is a pollinators paradise! This photo is from a bloom off my Ti Tree plant that a honey bee was enjoying!

May 23rd - World TURTLE DAY! This day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats, as well as to encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. The photo features a green sea turtle that was coming up for a breath! Though the water ripples and colors be enjoyable to paint!

May 30th - World Sea Lion Day! Some fun facts: California sea lions have prominent external ear flaps! Both pairs of flippers enable a sea lion to walk on land! Sea lions produce loud roars - this explains why they're named after lions! I loved how the sunset was casting across this beautiful sea lions face and head! I think will be very fun to try some metallic watercolors for an art piece!!
 
Bonus Full profile reference photo for everyone trying to figure out what exactly a Binturong is! Have fun painting or drawing all those hairs going every different direction!
 
Even seeing it though, a Binturong, it's still a mystery isn't it!?!
Well these guys are also known as Bearcats! Although it kind of resembles a bear or a cat in its appearance, with its long, bushy tail and rounded eats, it's related to neither! Instead, they are related to civets and fossas.
 
Its bushy tail may resemble a cat's, but it's actually fully prehensile (able to grasp objects). This unique animal is a forest-dweller and even though it can weight up to 40 pounds, it can use that prehensile tail to climb tree branches!! Crazy fact is that they can turn their ankles 180 degrees so their claws can still grip when climbing down a tree headfirst.
They are rare but have been found throughout Southeast Asia, including in Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Due to deforestation and hunting though, the only opportunity to see them are zoos and rescue organizations that are protecting the species!
This is either Sully and Melati at ZooTampa!
 
TERMS OF USE:
You may use these reference photos for PERSONAL USE ONLY to inspire you to create beautiful artwork or download for computer or phone wallpapers! Every photo is marked with Dolphin Soul Creations Watermark for protection. You may not professionally print or resell this design or use any part of it to create other designs for purchase. Please do not resell this file, share it or claim any items in this zip file as your own.
 
Please do not share my image to anyone else or post on social media! Really appreciate if you let them know where you got the photo, so they can join in on the fun on the Patreon channel and website as well!
 
If you create any artwork using my photography, please tag me at #dolphinsoul_creations and post in our Discord Channel! Absolutely love to see your work!! Thank you!