“Vanishing Animals” is a collaborative book by artist Andy Warhol and pathologist Kurt Benirschke, published in 1986. The work combines Warhol’s distinctive silkscreen prints with Benirschke’s scientific insights to highlight lesser-known endangered species. The book features 16 animal subjects, including the California Condor, La Plata River Dolphin, Mouse Armadillo, and Sumatran Rhinoceros.
This project reflects Warhol’s environmental concerns, building upon his earlier “Endangered Species” series from 1983. In “Vanishing Animals,” Warhol’s expressive use of color and line brings attention to species facing extinction, aiming to inspire conservation efforts. The collaboration between Warhol and Benirschke represents a unique intersection of art and science, using visual art to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. The book remains a significant work in both art and environmental advocacy.
Douc Langur (Mother and Baby) (F&S IIIB.51)
Douc Langur (Mother and Baby)
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 18×12 inches (45.7 x 35 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.51
California Condor (F&S IIIB.52)
California Condor
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 18×12 inches (45.7 x 35 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.52
Mouse Amardillo (F&S IIIB.54)
Mouse Amardillo
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 12×18 inches (35 x 45.7 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.54
Okapi (F&S IIIB.57)
Okapi
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 18×12 inches (45.7 x 35 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.57
Komodo Monitor (F&S IIIB.59)
Komodo Monitor
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1986
Sheet: 14 1/4 x 18 inches (36.2 x 45.7 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.59
Sumatra’s Rhinoceros (F&S IIIB.60)
Sumatra’s Rhinoceros
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1986
Sheet: 12×18 inches (35 x 45.7 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.60
Bats (F&S IIIB.62)
Bats
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 18×12 inches (45.7 x 35 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.62
Butterfly (F&S IIIB.64)
Butterfly
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 12×18 inches (30.5 x 45.7 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.64
Sommering Gazelle (F&S IIIB.65)
Sommering Gazelle
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on colored graphic art paper
Year: 1986
Sheet: 18×12 inches (45.7 x 35 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.65
Puerto-Rican Parrot (F&S IIIB.67)
Puerto Rican Parrot
from Vanishing Animals
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1986
Sheet: 12×18 inches (30.5 x 45.7 cm)
Edition: Small number of impressions
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Created for Vanishing Animals, a book by Kurt Benirschke published by Springer/Verlag in 1986
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann IIIB.67
Auction Results
Bonhams London: 25 June 2025
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
GBP 12,800 / USD 17,485
Unique screenprint in colors, on wove paper
Initialed ‘VF’ and inscribed ‘UP99.28’ in pencil
With the inkstamps of ‘The Estate of Andy Warhol’ and ‘Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts’ verso
LA Modern: 12 October 2023
Estimated: USD 18,000 – 22,000
USD 35,280
ANDY WARHOL (1928–1987)
Puerto Rican Parrot (Unique) (Feldman/Schellmann IIIB.67), 1986
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Inscribed to upper right ‘2’
Inscribed to verso ‘UP 99.29’ with estate and foundation stamps
Sotheby’s New-York: 21 April 2022
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 32,760
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Butterfly (Feldman & Schellmann. IIIB. 64(a)) from Vanishing Animals, 1986
Screenprint in colors on colored graphic art paper
One of a small number of impressions
With the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, The Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts inkstamps on the verso and inscribed in pencil ‘Butterfly – neg/pos’, ‘A128.015’ and ‘UP99.07’
Bonhams London: 8 October 2020
GBP 15,062
Screenprint in colors
One of a small number of impressions
With the The Estate of Andy Warhol and Authorized by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts ink stamps on the reverse
Christie’s New-York: 5 February 2014
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 8,125
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Okapi, from Vanishing Animals (See F. & S. IIIB.57), 1986
Screenprint in colors on colored paper
One of a small number of impressions
Christie’s New-York: 5 February 2014
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 8,125
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Mouse Amarillo, 1986
Screenprint in colors on colored paper
One of a small number of impressions
Christie’s New-York: 5 February 2014
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 9,375
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Bats, from Vanishing Animals (See F. & S. IIIB.62), 1986
Screenprint in colors on colored paper
One of a small number of impressions