WHAT IS THE HAUNTED ZOO?

To be haunted is to be ever-reminded—of an idea, a feeling, a memory, or an action we did (or didn’t) take. It’s a loud whisper that lingers, shaping our beliefs and guiding our choices.

Even in the face of big issues—like bullying, social inequality, and environmental conservation—these creatures stay aware by keeping their eyes wide open and are filled with hope for a brighter future where humans and animals live in harmony.

The characters of The Haunted Zoo are here to show us that when we come together, there’s no problem too big to face—and no challenge we can’t tackle as a team.

The Haunted Zoo, created by Canadian artist Jeff Denomme, is more than an art brand—it’s a bold, joyful movement. Through vibrant characters, community outreach, and creative education, we aim to spark imagination, encourage empathy, and inspire young minds to make meaningful change.

At The Haunted Zoo, our mission revolves around three core principles:

Creating Art: Whether it’s digital illustrations, paintings, large-scale murals, immersive installations, or vibrant merchandise, we are driven by a passion for producing bold, fun, and captivating art that resonates with people of all ages.

Art Education: We’re dedicated to sharing the vibrant world of street art and subculture with schools, children’s camps, and community groups. By fostering creativity and self-expression, we inspire young minds to explore, learn, and grow through art. Learn more here. BEE CREATIVE Kids Program

Being a Force for Good: At The Haunted Zoo, we see art as a tool for positive change. We strive to inspire kindness, empathy, and consideration, not only towards one another but also towards the world around us. Through our work, we aim to uplift and encourage a sense of shared responsibility for the community and beyond.

Meet the Artist:

Windsor, Ontario–based artist Jeff Denomme is the creative force behind The Haunted Zoo, a whimsical art brand often described as “Hello Kitty meets Tim Burton.” Loved by kids and adults alike, Jeff’s vibrant body of work spans digital illustration, painting, murals, installations, and merchandise—blending playful character design with thoughtful storytelling and strong visual identity.

At just 19, Jeff launched Fathom Clothing, a streetwear brand that took him across North America on the Vans Warped Tour, sponsoring bands such as Silverstein, Taking Back Sunday, and Matchbook Romance. Fathom gained international exposure through features in MTV music videos and global distribution, laying the foundation for Jeff’s future creative ventures.

In his late 20s, Jeff channeled his experience into The Haunted Zoo, developing a cohesive and imaginative street art brand. While living in Vancouver, he became active in the local arts scene, earning silver in the TELUS Artist Challenge and collaborating with brands including Volcom, TOMS, and LandYachts at the TELUS Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler. These projects cemented his reputation as a dynamic, community-minded artist.

After a decade-long pause to focus on family, entrepreneurial pursuits, and other creative work, Jeff found renewed inspiration through his young son’s connection to The Haunted Zoo characters. This moment sparked a reimagining of the brand as a family-friendly universe rooted in whimsy, optimism, and emotional connection—designed to resonate across generations.

Since relaunching The Haunted Zoo in late 2023, Jeff has experienced a period of rapid creative growth. He has participated in multiple mural festivals, exhibited work in cities including Detroit, Nashville, and Las Vegas, and expanded the brand’s merchandise offerings. In 2025, Jeff wrote, illustrated, and independently published his first children’s book, Adventures of the Honeycomb Heroes: Bee Considerate. The book marked a major milestone for the brand, translating its values of kindness, inclusion, and environmental care into a narrative for young readers. Development on the second book in the Honeycomb Heroes series will begin later this year.

Jeff is also currently in development on The Zookeeper, a short-form docuseries set to air across Canada in 2026 on Bell Media’s Fibe TV1. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design, production, and installation of large-scale public art projects, capturing the creative process from concept to completion. Each episode highlights projects that vary in theme and medium and are executed in collaboration with diverse community partners, offering an intimate and inspiring portrait of art as a tool for connection and impact.

Looking ahead, Jeff envisions The Haunted Zoo expanding across books, screen-based storytelling, public art, and community programming. Through street art workshops, youth-focused creative initiatives, and future collaborations with conservation and community organizations, he aims to inspire the next generation to dream boldly, nurture their creativity, and care deeply for the world around them.

The Haunted Zoo is just getting started—and Jeff Denomme’s passion promises a future filled with colour, compassion, and meaningful connection.