The National Geographic Photo Ark is a multiyear effort to raise awareness of and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting wildlife andtheir habitats. Led by National Geographic photographer, Fellow, and 2018Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year Joel Sartore, the project aims todocument every species living in the world's zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, inspireaction through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-groundconservation efforts.

CREATING PORTRAITS OF HOPE

Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, more than a decade ago. Since then, Sartore, a world-renownedphotographer, has visited 40 countries in his quest to create a photo archive ofglobal biodiversity, which will feature portraits of an more than 12,000 species ofbirds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Once completedthe Photo Ark will serve as an important record of each animal's existence and apowerful testament to the importance of saving them.

To date, Joel has completed portraits of more than 9,000 species. No matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect. Theresults are portraits that are not just stunningly beautiful, but intimate and moving.

"It's the eye contact that moves people, Sartore explains. "It engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help."

© Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

natgeophotoark.org