National Geographic Photo Ark Animal Conservation Project on Display at LA Zoo
National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition to Open at Los Angeles Zoo September 9, 2017
Outdoor Exhibition Showcases Photographer Joel Sartore’s Work to Document Every Species Living in the World’s Zoos and Other Wildlife Sanctuaries
Beginning September 9, guests at the Los Angeles Zoo can view selections from the National Geographic Photo Ark, an ambitious project committed to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries and intended to inspire people to help protect these animals for future generations. Featuring the work of National Geographic photographer and Fellow Joel Sartore, the National Geographic Photo Ark is a compelling and visually powerful project that aims to photograph species before it is too late. In addition to creating an archival record for generations to come, this project is a hopeful platform for conservation and shines a light on individuals and organizations working to preserve species around the world. The traveling National Geographic exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
Sartore estimates the completed National Geographic Photo Ark will include portraits of over 12,000 species representing several animal classes, including birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. In what will be the largest single archive of studio-quality photographs of biodiversity ever, the National Geographic Photo Ark continues to move toward its goal of documenting these 12,000 species in human care, thanks in part to Sartore’s enduring relationships with many of the world’s zoos and aquariums. These iconic portraits have captured the imagination of people around the world and have even been projected on the Empire State Building in New York and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The exhibition at the Los Angeles Zoo highlights more than 50 of Sartore's most compelling images and provide visitors with the unique opportunity to come face to face with animals from the National Geographic Photo Ark. Sartore has worked in more than 250 zoos, aquariums, and animal rescue centers around the world. Many of the images featured were taken at the Los Angeles Zoo. Visitors will learn about the project, its mission and conservation efforts by the Los Angeles Zoo.
“The National Geographic Photo Ark has already inspired millions around the world with the message that it is not too late to save some of the world’s most endangered species,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president of Exhibitions, National Geographic Society. “Joel Sartore has demonstrated what one man can do using the power of photography—and now National Geographic wants to inspire people all over the country to contribute to this global challenge.”
“Saving animal species requires everyone to be engaged and make use of every tool available,” explains John R. Lewis, Director of the Los Angeles Zoo. “It has often been said that we will only preserve what we love and Joel's beautiful portraits inspire compassion, awe, and appreciation for each individual animal included. It is my belief that the National Geographic Photo Ark will galvanize people to save animals by supporting individuals and institutions involved in species conservation.” Lewis also expresses his appreciation saying, “The Los Angeles Zoo is actively involved in saving species from extinction, so we are proud and humbled to not only have some of our resident species included in Joel's exhibition, but also given the opportunity to share the portraits with the people of the greater Los Angeles area.”
National Geographic Photo Ark exhibitions are traveling to zoos across the United States in 2017, and are currently on exhibit at the Dallas Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo. The exhibitions accompany a new National Geographic book, The Photo Ark, and a children’s book, Animal Ark both available at the L.A. Zoo gift shop. National Geographic Photo Ark fans are also invited to join the conversation on social media with #SaveTogether and learn more about how to get involved with the project at NatGeoPhotoArk.org. The National Geographic Society is a leading nonprofit that invests in bold people and transformative ideas in the fields of exploration, scientific research, storytelling, and education. We support educators to ensure that the next generation is armed with geographic knowledge and global understanding. We aspire to create a community of change, advancing key insights about our planet and probing some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time. Our goal is measurable impact: furthering exploration and educating people around the world to inspire solutions for the greater good. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/photo-ark/exhibitions/#zooexhibition
The landmark Los Angeles Zoo, drawing nearly 1.8 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered, as well as a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. Its responsibility toward wildlife conservation not only encompasses safeguarding the animals in its care but also actively participating in the preservation of some of the world’s most critically endangered species and their habitats. Its many conservation successes include having led the charge in saving California condors from extinction and restoring populations of these critically endangered animals to their native habitats. The Zoo's lush grounds on 113 acres feature Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; and one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world. Among other highlights are an extraordinary, hands-on Hippo Encounter and face-to-face Giraffe Feedings; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and Muriel's Ranch animal contact area; the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; a variety of daily opportunities to learn more about animals, including close-up visits, special feedings and intriguing talks; and much more. The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 60,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children. As evidence of the Zoo's popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.
Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $21 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $18 for seniors (ages 62+), and $16 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles' Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For general information about the Zoo, call (323) 644-4200 or visit lazoo.org.