For more than six decades, Valerie Taylor has dedicated her life to the ocean, inspiring generations through her work as an explorer, filmmaker, conservationist, and advocate for marine life.
Now, one of Australia’s most respected ocean voices has generously donated something deeply personal to help protect one of our country’s most vulnerable marine species: an original watercolour painting of a leafy seadragon.
Also found only in Australian waters, leafy seadragons are among the many marine species affected by the devastating algal bloom impacting South Australia’s coastline – a stark reminder of the growing pressures facing our oceans.
The Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation is honoured to present this special fundraising auction, with proceeds supporting critical research and conservation initiatives focused on protecting endangered Australian sea lions.
This one-of-a-kind artwork reflects Valerie’s lifelong connection to Australia’s marine ecosystems and her enduring commitment to protecting the species that call them home.
Now, one of Australia’s most respected ocean voices has generously donated something deeply personal to help protect one of our country’s most vulnerable marine species: an original watercolour painting of a leafy seadragon.
Also found only in Australian waters, leafy seadragons are among the many marine species affected by the devastating algal bloom impacting South Australia’s coastline – a stark reminder of the growing pressures facing our oceans.
The Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation is honoured to present this special fundraising auction, with proceeds supporting critical research and conservation initiatives focused on protecting endangered Australian sea lions.
This one-of-a-kind artwork reflects Valerie’s lifelong connection to Australia’s marine ecosystems and her enduring commitment to protecting the species that call them home.
About the Artwork
Painted in Valerie Taylor’s unmistakable hand, this original framed watercolour captures the beauty and fragility of the leafy seadragon – one of Australia’s most iconic marine species.
Through this piece, Valerie brings together art and advocacy, offering a rare opportunity to own an original work while supporting the future of Australian sea lions.
This exclusive silent auction offers the opportunity to acquire a unique piece from one of Australia’s most respected ocean conservation advocates while directly contributing to vital marine conservation efforts.
Through this piece, Valerie brings together art and advocacy, offering a rare opportunity to own an original work while supporting the future of Australian sea lions.
- Original watercolour painting by Valerie Taylor
- Subject: Leafy Seadragon
- Professionally framed
- Artwork size: 57cm x 44cm
- Auction hosted securely via Zeffy
This exclusive silent auction offers the opportunity to acquire a unique piece from one of Australia’s most respected ocean conservation advocates while directly contributing to vital marine conservation efforts.
From Valerie: The story behind the artwork
In this short video, Valerie Taylor shares the inspiration behind her original seadragon watercolour and her lifelong connection to Australia’s extraordinary marine life.
As marine ecosystems face growing pressures, this artwork serves as both a celebration of the ocean and a reminder of why its protection matters.
As marine ecosystems face growing pressures, this artwork serves as both a celebration of the ocean and a reminder of why its protection matters.
How Your Support Helps
With Australian sea lion populations still declining, urgent conservation action is needed.
Recent events like the algal bloom and potential arrival of H5 avian influenza in Australia are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable populations.
Funds raised through this auction will help support critical research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives designed to better understand and respond to these emerging challenges.
Working alongside scientists and researchers, the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation helps fund projects focused on population monitoring, habitat research, conservation initiatives, and pup survival.
Recent events like the algal bloom and potential arrival of H5 avian influenza in Australia are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable populations.
Funds raised through this auction will help support critical research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives designed to better understand and respond to these emerging challenges.
Working alongside scientists and researchers, the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation helps fund projects focused on population monitoring, habitat research, conservation initiatives, and pup survival.
From Valerie: Her deep connection to Australian sea lions
Few people have spent as much time alongside Australia’s marine wildlife as Valerie Taylor.
In our exclusive interview with Valerie below, she reflects on her lifelong admiration for Australian sea lions and shares some of her most treasured memories of these intelligent and playful animals.
In our exclusive interview with Valerie below, she reflects on her lifelong admiration for Australian sea lions and shares some of her most treasured memories of these intelligent and playful animals.
Participate in the Auction
The silent auction will run from Friday 15 May to Thursday 11 June.
By participating, you are helping support the research and conservation work needed to protect one of Australia’s most endangered marine species, while also owning a rare piece of ocean conservation history.
By participating, you are helping support the research and conservation work needed to protect one of Australia’s most endangered marine species, while also owning a rare piece of ocean conservation history.
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A heartfelt thank you to the incredible humans behind this campaign who generously contributed their time, creativity, and support to help protect Australian sea lions.
Valerie Taylor
Adam Geiger & Colette Beaudry - SeaLight Pictures
Jono Heighes - the Ron and Valerie Taylor archive
Steve Marquis
Jayne Jenkins
Toni Houston
Chelsea Tromans
And of course… the Australian sea lion who inspires it all.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible humans behind this campaign who generously contributed their time, creativity, and support to help protect Australian sea lions.
Valerie Taylor
Adam Geiger & Colette Beaudry - SeaLight Pictures
Jono Heighes - the Ron and Valerie Taylor archive
Steve Marquis
Jayne Jenkins
Toni Houston
Chelsea Tromans
And of course… the Australian sea lion who inspires it all.
