Jacquelyn Giuffré, FNSS

This striking animal, called a “Golden Takin” is a national treasure of Bhutan. My inspiration came from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s resident herd. The golden hair is essential for surviving the temperatures at an altitude of up to 14,800’ in Bhutan, China and Tibet. 

The golden hair of the takin reminded me of the epic Greek poem of Jason and the Argonauts and the search for the golden fleece. Present day miners use sheep skins placed in mountain streams to collect gold flakes, a practice that dates back thousands of years. Perhaps not a legend after all. 

Bronze on marble base
12"x12"x12"
Edition of 10 
$2500

The more I researched this prehistoric-looking bird the more fascinated I became. Thanks to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the San Diego Natural History Museum I was able to study its remarkable skull. Both museums were incredibly accommodating. This 4'6" tall bird weighing only 15 lbs is related to herons and pelicans. The signature feature is the foot long razor sharp beak resembling a Dutch clog. It lives in the freshwater papyrus swamps of East Africa. Birdlife International classifies the shoebill stork as "vulnerable" due to habitat destruction and hunting. Less than 5,000 adults remain in the wild . Shoebills are generally quiet but their occasional "bill clacking" is remarkable to say the least and worth looking up!

Showing with 63rd Annual Society of Artists show "Art and and the Animal" and tour Aug 2023–Sept 2024.

Showing with National Sculpture Society Annual show and tour June 2024–Dec 2024.

Bronze on marble base 22" x 12" Edition of 10, $2,700 each

Edward is the first generation in San Diego Wildlife Alliance’s rescue effort to save their critically endangered cousin, the Northern white rhino. I had the pleasure of meeting Edward at 4 months old and at one year. He maintained his same engaging personality.

Bronze, 8 inches, Edition of 10

San Diego Zoo Global was part of the rescue effort to save koalas during the devastating fires in Australia in 2019-20. This sculpture celebrates their success in relocation and rescue. Omeo is an Australian Aboriginal word for mountains.

Omeo is set against a low relief of the blue mountains enjoying the view.

Size 7" dia

What animal walks on her fists, consumes 30,000 ants a day, has no teeth, is an excellent swimmer and carries her pup on her back for a year? She is a giant anteater from South America named Lucy. She is a resident of San Diego Zoo and between her luxurious tail and attractive markings she gets lots of attention.

Bronze, 15 inches, Edition of 10

This red river hog is a favorite of visitors and zookeepers alike at the San Diego Zoo. With his engaging personality and appealing copper coat he became endeared as an animal ambassador. All my visits to the zoo begin with a visit to Murphy to sketch and chat. His theme song was "Twist and Shout".

Bronze, 5-1/2 x 7 inches, Edition of 15

I spent 3 days with National Geographic Travel on a white camel in the Sahara. It was hot and uncomfortable but totally enchanting. The color of the sand was gold to deep red with dark Bedouin tents along the way. Scarabs scurried about and we saw the desert “move”. The camels were patient and gentle and slept very close to our tents each night.

Bronze, 11 inches, Edition of 10

Kangaroos can leap 25’ in a single bound. They are exquisitely suited for Australia’s endless open spaces and remind me of the aboriginal songlines. Kangaroos always look like they know exactly where they are headed.

Bronze, 12 inches, Edition of 10

Bronze, 14 inches, Edition of 10

Could there be a more curious creature than a Leafy Seadragon?They seem to be made of kelp and are unbelievable to look at. Seadragons have the ability to change the color of their appendages to match the surrounding seaweed. I attempted to convey the animals fluidity and weightless appearance as the water lifts it's fins in a spiral pattern.

Bronze, 28 inches, Edition of 2

The sound of wind through dry grass. For me, it's really about the grace of this animal and not about the markings. They are always graceful, fluid and mysterious as they glide silently through Africa.

Bronze, 14 x 24 inches, Edition of 10

I was commissioned to do a portrait of my friends miniature rescue donkeys, Elvis and Dino. One was adopted and taken home where he promptly hung his head low until his buddy was adopted too. They take endless pleasure in having the run of the barn and dodging the big dressage horse.

Bronze, 10.5 inches, Edition of 10

Bronze, 16 x 12 x 12 inches, Edition of 12

I stayed at Nukuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge in Uganda before going into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest looking for mountain gorillas. At sundown a pair of swallows returned to the lodge each night assuming this pose.

Bronze, 15 x 6 inches, Edition of 15

Bronze, 9 x 7 x 3 inches, Edition of 15

As luck would have it while staying at the Wilson Botanical Gardens in Costa Rica a very friendly ornithologist invited me to traipse along to view birds in the early morning. Although the Respledent Quetzal remained illusive scores of birds were added to my bird list. It was a thrilling adventure for a bird lover and the impression stays with me to this day.

Bronze, 8 x 8.5 inches Edition of 25

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Bronze, 7.5 x 15 inches, Edition of 10