Since the dawn of human civilisation, curiosity and a thirst for adventure have led explorers to embark on risky adventures in search of the unknown. New worlds were waiting to be discovered by those who persevered and survived the dangers along the way.
The life of an explorer was characterised by fear and excitement, hard work and physical discomfort. After months or sometimes years of perilous travelling, we can only imagine the adrenaline rush that ran through a sailor discovering new land, or an explorer looking into the eyes of an unknown animal. We can only try to imagine it...
Some adventurers set out with one goal: they were looking for a golden treasure to change their destiny, the fountain of youth to live forever. They pursued their dream with youthful abandon, possessed by a great thirst for adventure, in search of an exciting life. What they actually discovered were much greater treasures for mankind: fish that could fly, amazing looking birds that sang like angels, and underwater creatures that glowed in the dark!
After their safe return to so-called civilisation, they told of remarkable new worlds and the rich beauty of exotic, diverse and extraordinary animals. Birds with plumage in the colours of the rainbow, cute, smiling creatures hanging high up in flowering trees, breathtaking animals of all dimensions populated new myths and stories. Even though most of these animals were never seen again, the variety and diversity of nature surpassed the imagination and astounded even the most sceptical.
The knowledge of these magical islands and discoveries became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for talented artists. They wanted to recreate these dazzling animals to show people what an amazing world they lived in. With great ingenuity, they put pen to paper and tried to reproduce this magical beauty.
Click here through our explanatory booklet and discover Moooi's extinct animals.
