10 Free Printable Adult Coloring Pages Featuring Animals

Jennifer Wilber works as an ESL instructor, substitute teacher, and freelance writer. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing and English.

Why Would I Want to Use Adult Coloring Pages?

Once considered an activity meant strictly for kids, coloring books have quickly gained popularity for adults. Adult coloring books and coloring pages differ from the coloring books designed for children in that the images in the adult versions tend to be more complex and feature finer details, and sometimes, more abstract imagery.

Coloring pages for adults can help to improve your mental health. Coloring has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and feelings of anxiety in adults. Coloring can help you to become better focused throughout the day and help you to practice mindfulness.

What Are Mandalas?

Mandalas are a popular type of design in adult coloring books. Originally, the term “mandala” referred to a spiritual or ritual symbol in Hinduism or Buddhism that is meant to represent the universe. In common usage, the term "mandala" can refer to any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that symbolically represents the cosmos or the universe, or a complex geometric pattern in a similar style.

Animals have always been a favorite subject of coloring books created for children. By combining animals with mandala imagery, these coloring pages are the perfect way for adults to relax and reduce stress while reliving the simplicity of childhood.

You may choose to use high-quality colored pencils or gel pens to get the fine details of these printable adult coloring pages.

Testing the Best Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring

Butterfly Mandala Coloring Page

Color this butterfly mandala to ease your anxiety and help you to let go of the past. The metamorphosis process of the caterpillar emerging from its chrysalis to become a beautiful butterfly reminds us that it is never too late to make a new start. Like the butterfly, you can let go of the past and be reborn anew. Don’t let your past hold you back. Spread your wings and fly, just like the butterfly.

Dolphin Floral Mandala Coloring Page

This dolphin features fine floral details, which can be colored any way you choose. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures who are often regarded as representing spiritual pursuits. Dolphins swim through the ocean without a care in the world. Let your mind swim free like the dolphin as you color.

Duck Mandala Background Coloring Page

Ducks are playful creatures that feel at home both swimming in the water and flying through the air. Ducks are adaptable and resourceful birds. Keep these qualities of the duck in mind as you color. Like the duck, you can adapt to any environment if you are willing to be resourceful. Remember these lessons as you color in this page.

Elephant Mandala Coloring Page

Elephants symbolize strength and power. Channel the elephant’s inner strength as you color this page. You can do anything you put your mind to. Have the courage to be strong and powerful, just like the elephant. Elephants don’t let anything stand in their way, and neither should you! Keep these qualities of the elephant in mind as you color.

Hare Mandala Printable Coloring Page

Though they look similar to the casual observer, hares are larger and more hardy than rabbits. They also have more powerful legs. Unlike rabbits, newborn hares are able to fend for themselves within a few hours of birth. Hares remind us that we are strong and independent. As you color this coloring page, remember to be like the hare, and don’t be afraid to use the hidden power within yourself.

Ducks in Love Mandala Printable Coloring Page

This coloring page features two ducks in the center of a heart design. These two ducks know that love can get them through anything. As long as they have each other, nothing else matters. As you color this page, remember that you are loved. If you are feeling alone, think about all of the people in your life who care about you and need you in their life.

Dragonfly Mandala Coloring Page

In many parts of the world, dragonflies are thought to represent self-realization and a change in perspective. As you focus on coloring in this dragonfly mandala, think about what is causing you to feel stressed. Is there a new way you can look at the situation? The dragonfly can help you to realize your full potential and to overcome any obstacle in your path.

Water Buffalo Mandala Coloring Page

The water buffalo is thought to symbolize prosperity, stability, and abundance. Consider these qualities of the water buffalo while you color this page. Even if you are feeling stressed or anxious right now, know that, with hard work and patience, you will be able to achieve prosperity and stability in your life. It may not be an easy journey, but you can do it if you take each day one step at a time.

Bear Mandala Coloring Page for Adults

The bear represents a free spirit as well as strength. Have the inner strength to let your free spirit shine through as you color this bear mandala. Let your spirit soar free as you color this page brings you back to the carefree innocence of childhood. You have the strength to do anything you set your mind to.

Rabbit Mandala Free Printable Coloring Page

Rabbits may symbolize rebirth, vitality, and abundance. As you color this page, remember all the stressful times that you have gotten yourself through before. If you have to walk away from a stressful situation, have the strength to walk away and reawaken into a new day. Visualize a life of abundance for yourself from all of your hard work.

Color and Recolor These Free Printable Images

Feel free to print any of these images as many times as you would like. You may also wish to bookmark this page so that you can return to download these images again. Try different coloring techniques, including using colored pencils, gel pens, or even color them digitally using your favorite image editing software on your PC.

Further Reading

• 3 Reasons Adult Coloring Can Actually Relax Your Brain | Cleveland Clinic
  
• Why Adult Coloring Books Are Good for You | CNN
  Once obscure, adult coloring books have reached new levels of popularity. But do you know exactly why a page and some pencils can do your mind some good?

Additional Free Coloring Pages

• Free Adult Coloring Pages | Crayola.com
  

© 2018 Jennifer Wilber