PROTECTING SPECIES THROUGH THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Making an Impact
With your support, we’re documenting every species in human care to inspire people to care and help protect these animals, funding on-the-ground conservation projects focused on those species in most critical need of protection, and inspiring action through education programs.
CREATING PORTRAITS OF HOPE
To date, Joel has completed portraits of more than 13,000 species, most photographed on either a plain black or white background. No matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect. The results are portraits that are not just stunningly beautiful, but also intimate and moving.
Protecting Species At Risk
To help save wildlife and sound the alarm for lesser-known species at risk, we partnered with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to create the National Geographic Photo Ark EDGE Fellowships. The program provides funding, training, and capacity development to on-the-ground conservationists working to bring the most at-risk species featured in Photo Ark back from the verge of extinction.
Inspiring Learning and Action
The National Geographic Photo Ark is teaching people of all ages about our planet’s amazing biodiversity and fostering a real human connection to Earth’s animals. The project engages students in the classroom through free educational materials and activities, and inspires the public through special exhibitions and events around the world. An interactive digital experience allows learners to explore each animal in the collection and share information about endangered species with their friends.
Raising Awareness Through Exhibitions
Museums and institutions around the world are hosting Photo Ark exhibitions to raise awareness for many species in need of greater conservation. Each exhibition features large-format prints, as well as a grid of many more images to highlight the range of species in the Photo Ark.
Photo Ark Edge Fellowship
The Photo Ark EDGE Fellowship has supported three cohorts of dedicated conservationists from Africa, Latin America and Asia who are working to protect at-risk animals that are featured in the Photo Ark.
main photo by Joel Sartore; African lion: Photo by Joel Sartore; Africa cohort: Photo by Lindsay Anderson; Joel Sartore Presenting: Photo by Randall Scott