RARE Creatures of the Photo Ark airs on WSKG July 18, 2017 at 9pm.
Joel started the Photo Ark in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, over a decade ago. Since then, he has visited over 40 countries and completed portraits of more than 6,500 species in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity, which will feature portraits of an estimated 12,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. As part of Joel’s deeper collaboration with National Geographic, the project is now called the National Geographic Photo Ark.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 intimate and moving. Once completed, the Photo Ark will serve as an important record of each animal’s existence and a powerful testament to the importance of saving them.In his words, “It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves.”Joel Sartore is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine.