Photo Credit: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Due to the rapid disappearance of many of Earth’s creatures, the National Geographic Photo Ark seeks to document every animal in captivity. The Ark also focuses on funding on-the-ground conservation projects for prioritized species.

“We’re supposed to lose half of all species by the turn of the next century and lot of times these pictures I do are the only national coverage these animals will ever get before they go extinct,” said Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer and founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark.

Sartore explained, “The goal of the project is to get the public to turn their eyes away from everyday distractions and to think about the other species we share the planet with—while there’s still time to save them. I want to get people to care, to fall in love, and to take action.”

The Photo Ark is a multiyear effort and an incredible testament to saving animals’ records—if not the animals themselves.

“This is the best time ever to save species because so many need our help. We have to let people know that these animals exist, and that they’re in trouble and what the need is,” Sartore.

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