‘NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK’ AT NAPLES ZOO

by Kelsey Burr, Naples Zoo Marketing Associate

Naples Zoo is now the temporary home of 52 stunning images of some of the world’s most iconic and rare animals. The National Geographic Photo Ark is a traveling photo exhibition that features large-format, captivating images taken by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. The exhibition is at Naples Zoo now through April 20, 2020 and is included in regular Zoo admission.

The National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project committed to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries—inspiring people not just to care, but also to help protect these animals for future generations. The 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 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.”

Sartore has photographed more than 9,000 species around the world as part of the Photo Ark. His goal is to get portraits of over 12,000 species, representing several animal classes, including birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

A few of our Naples Zoo animals are also featured in the National Geographic Photo Ark. Sartore visited Naples Zoo a few years ago and photographed Kaa our reticulated python, Oasis, one of our Damara zebras, our white-headed brown lemurs Barry and Victoria, and Uno, the late Florida panther. These breathtaking images will be some of the photos on display throughout the Zoo.

For schools, the Naples Zoo Education Department is offering a limited-time Field Trip Experience to go along with the exhibition. It’s called “Wildlife Through a Lens”. Students will get hands-on experience using digital cameras at the Zoo to create their own images to inspire conservation. Students will then design and construct a take-home frame for their favorite image. Field Trip
Experiences are taught by Zoo educators in our onsite classroom.

To learn more, visit napleszoo.org/fte. We are hoping to host Joel Sartore at Naples Zoo in the spring for a presentation. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website, napleszoo.org, for details to come.

 

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