A Young Wildlife Artist on the International Stage

Stuff We Love

March 7, 2026

Each year, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the United Nations Development Programme, hosts a World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest. Per a press release from IFAW, entries reflect “the United Nations World Wildlife Day theme for 2026: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” Sixteen-year-old Eleanor McKey from Ellsworth was one of the finalists in the contest from more than 4,200 entries covering 117 countries and sovereign areas. She discovered the competition while researching endangered animals for a school project and chose to paint “Bamboo Meal for Red Panda” because the animals are “adorable and I love the vibrant red of their fur.” McKey adds that “my passion for art and my love for supporting nature” inspired her to submit her work. Three cheers for McKey and her adorable red panda!