Chuck Ripper: Ocelot Standing on a Tree Branch

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1993
Image Size: 12.25 by 14.5 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouche Water Color on Masonite

It wasn't long ago that the Ocelot, which ranged from the southwestern United States all the way to northern Argentina, was a common sight in forests and brush-covered locations. As recently as 1989, one authority commented that "Although the young are taken as pets and the fur is very valuable, the Ocelot is quite abundant." Sadly, that is no longer the case. Like many of the world's wild cats, the once-plentiful Ocelot is declining throughout its range even though the species is known to breed all year round and a litter can contain up to three Ocelot kittens. The Texas Ocelot, a subspecies that frequents the Lone Star state's scrublands, is particularly threatened. To protect these endangered cats from extinction, hunting Ocelots and trading in their prized pelts is now prohibited in the U.S. and in many of the countries they are known to inhabit. But wildlife protection laws, while they prohibit killing Ocelots, may not prevent them from being taken alive. Frequently maintained in captivity, Ocelots are easily tamed as kittens. These cuddly babies eventually grow to weigh up to 35 pounds as adults, and can often become a danger to owners who may not believe the animal they raised from a docile kitten has grown into a truly wild cat.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the United Nations Endangered Species Series S7 Ocelot stamp issued March 18, 1994.

Artwork Copyright © 1993 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB14621

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