The Story Behind Zaza - My Graphite Drawing of a Sumatran Tiger Cub

My Graphite Drawing of the First Sumatran Tiger Cub Born in Wales

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that one of my favourite subjects to draw is tigers — along with all animals, of course! One day I’d love to see them in the wild, but for now I make do with visiting wildlife parks to get my tiger fix.

I was overjoyed to hear that a Sumatran tiger cub had been born at Manor Wildlife Park in Pembrokeshire — the first tiger of any kind to be born in Wales. Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered, with fewer than 400 remaining in the wild, so the arrival of a new cub is an important moment for wildlife conservation. It was also incredibly exciting for a Welsh wildlife artist who loves to draw tigers.

Visiting Zaza at Manor Wildlife Park

I visited the park when Zaza was six months old and took so many photographs of her and her mum, Terima. Terima was the most patient mother, calmly allowing the sassy Zaza to practise her ambush manoeuvres! It was a joy and a privilege to watch the pair playing together, whilst my camera was working overtime!

I took so may photos of Zaza. But those reference photos sat on my hard drive while I worked on other projects — that is until I saw the annual call for Sketch for Survival.

Choosing Zaza for Sketch for Survival

Organised by Explorers Against Extinction, Sketch for Survival is an international wildlife art competition that raises funds and awareness for conservation and endangered species. As soon as I saw the call for entries, I knew I had the perfect subject in Zaza. Creating a Sumatran tiger drawing felt like a meaningful way to combine my love of wildlife art with conservation.

The beautiful Zaza, the first Sumatran tiger to be born in Wales

Why I Chose Graphite for This Tiger Drawing

Although I usually work in coloured pencils, for this piece I chose to work in graphite. The fur of young animals is often incredibly soft and fluffy, and tiger cubs are no exception. I felt graphite pencils would allow me to capture that softness while still achieving the realistic detail I love in my wildlife drawings.

I chose a reference image of Zaza resting after a hard morning of play with her mum and kept the background simple, so the focus remained entirely on her expression, character and markings.

The Process Behind a Realistic Graphite Tiger Drawing

You might think working in graphite would be quicker or simpler than coloured pencil — but that’s rarely the case! Creating a realistic graphite drawing of a sumatran tiger still requires building up layers of fur slowly to achieve depth, texture and contrast.

It was particularly challenging to balance the softness of Zaza’s fur with the clarity of her markings — and, of course, those expressive eyes that always seem to be looking towards the next adventure.

Work in progress - building up those layers of soft yet detailed fur using graphite pencils

After many patient hours of drawing, adjusting, and refining, I finally felt the piece was ready, and my entry was submitted.

The finished drawing and my entry for Sketch for Survival

(You can read more about my graphite drawing process in a previous blog post here.)

Sketch for Survival: The Result

I was overjoyed to receive the email confirming that my drawing of Zaza had been selected for the longlist. The next step was to send the original graphite artwork to the organisers, who then select the final 100 pieces for exhibition.

These artworks are displayed at the prestigious OXO Gallery in London, one of the most important wildlife conservation art exhibitions in the UK. Being selected for the final exhibition is a real achievement, so I waited anxiously for the results.

This year, it wasn’t to be — but I was honoured to receive a Highly Commended award. While Zaza wasn’t included in the final exhibition (and sadly no trip to London!), I’m still incredibly proud of this drawing and the story behind it.

No trip to London, but I'm still proud to be highly commended

This original graphite drawing of Zaza is still available via the Explorers Against Extinction online shop.