In an intersection of art and conservation, National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore recently visited the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as part of his ambitious project, The Photo Ark. Sartore, who uses the power of photography to highlight the beauty and urgency of protecting at-risk species, has already captured more than 16,000 intimate portraits of animals as part of his mission to document the approximately 20,000 species living in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the globe.
Through his lens, Sartore aims to create a visual record of these species, many of which face the threat of extinction. His portraits are more than just stunning images; they are a call to action, designed to inspire people to engage in conservation efforts and support the protection of these remarkable animals. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance shares Sartore’s commitment to conservation with a parallel mission: Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations. The convergence of our two missions highlights a shared vision: to connect people with wildlife and foster a deep, lasting commitment to their protection.
Sartore photographed several species, including the red spiny starfish, usambara bush viper, square spot fair basslet and—most notably—Mahali, our hippopotamus.
The Photo Ark’s portraits are not just images; they are potent symbols of the challenges facing wildlife today and a call to each of us to act before it’s too late. We are proud to support Sartore’s mission and to be a part of this global effort. By providing a platform for Sartore to capture the beauty of their resident species, we contribute the vital work of ensuring that future generations will have the chance to marvel at the same wildlife that we cherish every day, both in photos and reality.
