Press Release
The Wildlife Experience’s Latest Resident
DENVER - July 13, 2005 - The Wildlife Experience in Parker, Colorado received a new bronze sculpture on the museum grounds today: a nine-foot long, 1,200 pound bronze sculpture of a cougar, by artist Kenneth Bunn.
Born in Denver, Colorado in 1935, Kenneth Bunn has been passionate about sculpture and anatomy since grammar school. He prefers to sculpt North American and African animals from life and does quick on-site models and sketches, which are then actualized in the studio. Bunn attempts to accurately depict the anatomy and captured event, but often exaggerates sections in order to emphasize an animal’s strength or movement. He is often referred to as an impressionist because his pieces lack detail, however Bunn insists the overall impact of the piece is more important than accuracy. He says, "I like to create the illusion of life-the spirit of the animal." Bunn is fascinated by animal behavior and is partial to the big cat family.
When asked how long the sculpture took to create, Bunn relied, "If I had to put a time card on each [sculpture], it would frighten me. Some are in the studio for a month to six months. Others we've had in the studio for a year." Present on Wednesday at The Wildlife Experience, Bunn watched and participated in the logistics of the installation with care, and a bit of concern. A smile and visible relief washed across his face once the big cat was permanently placed on its mound of stone.
Bunn’s cougar joins other permanent pieces that line The Wildlife Experience’s Nature Trail. This trail officially opened in April of 2005 and encircles the museum and gives visitors to the museum the chance to see the indigenous flora and fauna of the area and the other permanent bronze sculptures that take up residence outside the facility. The cougar will be installed on the northwest corner of the grounds and will face the intersection on Lincoln Avenue, greeting guests as they arrive.
