Photographer undertakes mission to document every species on Earth
Yep, there is someone out there creating a photographic library of all the animals in the world.
The National Geographic Photo Ark is a project to document all the species living in protected areas and zoos around the globe, in an effort to get us humans caring and protecting these animals for future generations.
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Leading this is the publication's photographer, Joel Sartore, who has so far completed more than 6,000 studio portraits of different species in 40 countries.
Like a close-up shot of a platypus.
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
An exhibition of his work is taking place at Melbourne Zoo from July to October, which is fitting considering many of his shots of Australian animals were taken there.
"Joel Sartore portrays these precious species in such a captivating way, it's hard not to be moved by his portraits," Jenny Gray, Zoos Victoria CEO, said in a statement.
"Some of the species featured are virtually unknown and it’s such a brilliant way to connect zoo visitors and people around the world to conservation, especially the type of conservation happening in zoos all over the world."
The goal is to create a collection of photographs of an estimated 12,000 species across different animal classes, including birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Admit it, you're jealous of this guy's job.
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
Image: Joel Sartore/joelsartore.com
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
Image: Joel Sartore/www.joelsartore.com
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