Artist paints puma to fund new enclosure at zoo

A self-taught Scottish wildlife painter whose confidence was knocked at school is now using her international success to help build a new home for a rescued puma at Five Sisters Zoo.

Kirsten Mirrey, 30, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, gave up applying for art school after receiving harsh critiques while preparing for school exams in St Andrews.

Demoralised, she took an apprenticeship in equine care at a Leven stud farm, only picking up her brushes to paint pet portraits in the evenings after work.

The limited prints are due to be released for sale on Friday, and will be available till Monday, with all profits donated to the new enclosure fund.