National Geographic Photo Ark

The traveling National Geographic exhibition, “National Geographic Photo Ark,” opens at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT, on June 2, 2018. Featuring the work of National Geographic photographer and Fellow Joel Sartore, the exhibition will be on display until September 2, 2018.

The National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project committed to documenting every species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries—inspiring 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.

National Geographic is showcasing this important project through multiple platforms, including the traveling “National Geographic Photo Ark” exhibition 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 more than 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 species in captivity, 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.

The Photo Ark exhibition at the Bruce will highlight 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. To date, he has completed intimate portraits of nearly 8,000 species.

“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,” says 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.”

“These images are by turns breathtaking, amusing, and poignant,” says Dr. Daniel Ksepka, Curator of Science at the Bruce Museum. “We hope visitors will both enjoy the splendor of nature’s diversity and leave with an appreciation of how many of these species are imperiled. We live in an era when 8,000 vertebrate species are considered to be threatened with extinction, and perhaps looking these creatures in the face will create a sense of urgency for conservation.”

The exhibition is accompanied by two National Geographic books, The Photo Ark (National Geographic Books; $35), Birds of the Photo Ark (National Geographic Books, $30), and a children’s book, Animal Ark (National Geographic Kids Books; $15.99). 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 PBS documentary “Rare: Creatures of The Photo Ark,” a production of WGBH Boston and So World Media, LLC in association with National Geographic Channels, debuted in July 2017 and is now available for streaming online at pbs.org/wgbh/rare.

In conjunction with The Photo Ark exhibition, the Bruce Museum announces a special membership offer: With every purchase of a new annual membership ($40 and up) from May 21 through June 30, 2018, the Bruce will make a $15 donation to the National Geographic Photo Ark, which funds cutting-edge conservation and habitat restoration work around the globe. To join the Bruce, please visit brucemuseum.org and use the promo code Photoark15. All members of the Bruce Museum enjoy free admission, store discounts and invitations to exhibition openings, including The Photo Ark Opening Reception on Friday, June 1, 6 – 7:30 pm.

The “National Geographic Photo Ark” exhibition at the Bruce Museum is supported by The Charles M. and Deborah G. Royce Exhibition Fund, Judith and Stephen Wertheimer, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Gabelli Funds, and Guardian Life. The exhibition will engage audiences of all ages through a range of educational programs and activities. For more information, visit brucemuseum.org.