Perth Zoo showcases works-of-art by a number of talented artists. Their work reminds us to appreciate what makes Earth’s diverse species so unique and worthy in their own right.

David Jones

Perth artist David Jones has connections to the Wilman, Kaniyang, and Goreng Noongar Nations. His intricate, nature-inspired illustrations celebrate biodiversity and cultural heritage, creating art that connects people to the natural world.
David created the iconic artwork featured out the front of the Zoo and along the picnic lawn. The artwork celebrates the six Noongar seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – an important cultural framework for understanding and caring for Country. The piece punctuates the new arbor at the heart of the Zoo, symbolising renewal and connection.

Just as each season represents a new beginning, David’s hand-drawn illustrations were inspired by the ancient breeding patterns of species that reproduce during these times. Featured are the critically endangered Numbat, Western Swamp Turtle, and Margaret River Hairy Marron – all part of Perth Zoo’s breeding programs – alongside other iconic fauna including a goanna, snake, frog, emu, cockatoo, kangaroo, fish, and swan.

Through this work, David invites us to reflect on the deep relationship between seasonal cycles, wildlife, and cultural knowledge, reinforcing the importance of conservation and respect for Country.

The six Noongar seasons

• BIRAK (‘first summer’) is the beginning of the Noongar seasonal cycle. During this period, Noongar people practised careful cultural burning to maintain the land's health and promote the growth of new plants. In this panel, the karda (goanna) shows resilience and adaptability, the numbat reminds us to protect endangered animals, and djardi (leaves) represent seasonal change and traditional plant knowledge used for food and medicine. Together, these symbols reflect thousands of years of caring for Country.
• BUNURU (‘second summer’) is the hottest and driest season, when freshwater sources shrink, and people look to rivers, estuaries and the ocean for food. In this panel, the maali (swan) represents renewal and abundance, Djildjit (fish) show the importance of healthy waterways for food and life, and Biara (banksia) signals seasonal change while providing nectar for birds and insects. Together, these symbols reflect deep knowledge of water and the ability to adapt to the changing environment.
• DJERAN (‘autumn’) is a season of change, as cooler weather begins and the land prepares for winter. In this panel, the yaakan (turtle) represents wisdom and caring for freshwater places, reeds show healthy wetlands and are used for weaving, and kooya (frogs) signal clean water and new life after rain. Together, these symbols remind us of the importance of protecting rivers, wetlands and the animals that depend on them.
• MAKURU (‘winter’) is the coldest and wettest season, bringing heavy rains that help the land grow and renew. In this panel, the white cockatoo is seen as a messenger and guardian of the bush, yonga (kangaroo) represents strength and connection to the land, and djardi (leaves) show the cycles of plants and their use in traditional medicine. Together, these symbols reflect how rain restores Country and supports new life.
• DJILBA (‘first spring’) is a season when new life begins to appear as the weather starts to warm. In this panel, the weitj (emu) represents guidance through the changing seasons, the gathering circle shows community and the sharing of knowledge, and marron reflect healthy waterways and seasonal abundance. Together, these symbols highlight the importance of caring for Country and passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
• KAMBARANG (‘season of birth’) is a time of warmth, colour and new life, when many plants bloom, and animals raise their young. In this panel, the Wagyl is a powerful ancestral spirit connected to the creation of waterways, yonga maar (kangaroo paw) represents the beauty and resilience of native plants, and the moodjar (Christmas tree) symbolises renewal and connection to ancestors. Together, these symbols celebrate life, abundance and the continuing connection between people and Country.

Si Hummerston

Si Hummerston is an accomplished professional public artist and Claremont School of Art graduate who has been creating work for more than a quarter of a century. Si was previously a TAFE lecturer and is now a full-time sculptor specialising in Public Art. Constructing in timber, mild steel, aluminium, copper, bronze and repurposed materials, Si creates both 2D and 3D works. His public sculptures are monumental and built to withstand the elements and a high level of human interaction. Local fauna and flora are common references to help tie the significance of the site to the surrounding environment.

Si’s work is peppered all around Perth Zoo—the playground gumnuts,  the great steel dragonflies by the lake, the beached dinghy at Crocodiles, the vine-tangled tree inside the otter exhibit.

Daniel Browne/CDM Studio

Sculptor Daniel Browne’s CDM Studio is a leader in the design, sculpting and 3D printing of animals. The Perth-based modelmaking, fabrication and design company creates interpretive zoological models for museums, visitor centres, zoos and public spaces.

Many of Perth Zoo’s sculptures were produced by Dan in the early 2000s and are still going strong—and regularly photographed!—today. The Sun Bear, Komodo Dragon, Perentie and Galapagos Tortoise interactives.