The first image of a marsupial by a western artist has museums in the UK and Australia in hot pursuit. Both countries have begun fundraising efforts for "The Kongouro from New Holland," an 18th-century painting of a kangaroo by British artist George Stubbs.

The UK's National Maritime Museum in Greenwich (NMM) and the National Gallery of Australia are seeking to acquire the historic image, along with one of a dingo, which were painted after Captain Cook's voyage to Australia.

Known for his horse paintings, Stubbs was commissioned by a naturalist who was onboard Cook's HMS Endeavor from 1768 to 1771, to paint the kangaroo and dingo. The artist only had to work with some firsthand descriptions, a few sketches and the skin of the animal which he may have "plumped up" to help visualize what the never-seen-before creature looked like.

The two rare Stubbs paintings remained in Britain until last year when an overseas buyer bought them for £5.5m. The UK has a temporary export ban on the works.

An official from the Australian museum calls the Kangaroo work an "Australian icon" while UK representatives say it is of "world importance" when placed within its Capt. Cook collections.