“The International Center of Photography (ICP) and the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) are presenting the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition, featuring the compelling and visually stunning work of National Geographic photographer and Fellow Joel Sartore. The exhibition will highlight Sartore’s images from his work in more than 250 zoos, aquariums and animal rescue centers around the world.

Founded by Sartore in 2006, the National Geographic Photo Ark aims to document species living in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-theground conservation efforts. National Geographic is showcasing this important project through multiple platforms, including this exhibition, to inspire people not just to care, but also to help protect these animals for future generations. 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.

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 now includes more than 9,500 species, 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 and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.” — ICP & SAC

A Coquerel’s sifaka, Propithecus coquereli, at the Houston Zoo. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

A federally threatened koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, with her babies at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

Two Golden snub-nosed monkeys, Rhinopithecus roxellana, at Ocean Park Hong Kong. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

An endangered Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

An endangered baby Bornean orangutan, Pongo pygmaeus, named Aurora, with her adoptive mother, Cheyenne, a Bornean/Sumatran cross, Pongo pygmaeus x abelii, at the Houston Zoo. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

A Fiji Island banded iguana, Brachylophus fasciatus, at the Los Angeles Zoo. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark. natgeophotoark.org.

“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.” National Geographic Photo Ark is organized in collaboration with the National Geographic Society.

Images courtesy Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark, ICP and SAC.