{"id":795264,"date":"2026-10-07T22:14:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T22:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/795264\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T22:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T22:14:15","slug":"more-than-18000-wildlife-species-populate-joel-sartores-ambitious-photo-ark-so-far-colossal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/795264\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than 18,000 Wildlife Species Populate Joel Sartore’s Ambitious ‘Photo Ark’ (So Far!) \u2014 Colossal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Twenty years ago, National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore<\/a> set out on a deceptively simple multi-year mission: to create a photo archive of biodiversity. Documenting around a thousand animals each year, his ultimate goal is a portrait catalogue showcasing more than 25,000 species. As of this writing, Sartore has documented 18,567 animals, including the new species of cat<\/a> recently discovered in Bolivia. In zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and more, he collaborates with conservationists and researchers to document an awe-inspiring yet tiny fraction of life on our planet.<\/p>\n

Sartore\u2019s Photo Ark<\/a> project illuminates animals against plain black or white backgrounds, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and expressions in an intimate and relatable format. \u201cIt\u2019s the eye contact that moves people,\u201d Sartore says. \u201cIt engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Those feelings of care, ideally paired with the motivation to act, is what Photo Ark is all about. When Sartore began photographing animals in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2006, he recognized the power of bold, straightforward portraits to connect with viewers. The images not only introduce us to the incredible array of animals we coexist with, but spur efforts to protect them. Sartore says, \u201cI want people to care, to fall in love, and to take action.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2023, the Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative took things a step further by awarding conservationists grants to support their work. The project has also morphed into an all-ages educational initiative that National Geographic makes available in classrooms and through publications and broadcasts. \u201cNo matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect,\u201d National Geographic says. \u201cThe results are portraits that are not just stunningly beautiful, but also intimate and moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discover thousands of creatures on the Photo Ark site<\/a> and learn how researchers are defending endangered and vulnerable species. You can also follow Sartore\u2019s work on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A springbok mantis (Miomantis caffra) at the Auckland Zoo<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>An endangered baby Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) named Aurora with her adoptive mother, Cheyenne, a Bornean\/Sumatran cross (Pongo pygmaeus x abelii) at the Houston Zoo<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A ribboned pipefish (Haliichthys taeniophorus) at the Dallas World Aquarium<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>An endangered Coquerel\u2019s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) at the Houston Zoo<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A Sierra Nevada ensatina salamander (Ensatina eschscholtzi platensis)<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A vulnerable Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria) at the Columbus Zoo<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) at Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure confronts a camera lens<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>A federally endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) at Tampa\u2019s Lowry Park Zoo<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>Portrait of National Geographic photographer and PhotoARK founder Joel Sartore with frill necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii)<\/p>\n

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member<\/a> now, and support independent arts publishing.<\/p>\n

Hide advertising<\/p>\n

Save your favorite articles<\/p>\n

Get 15% off in the Colossal Shop<\/a><\/p>\n

Receive members-only newsletter<\/p>\n

Give 1% for art supplies in K-12 classrooms<\/p>\n

\t