The National Geographic Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals

The National Geographic Photo Ark is Joel Sartore’s ambitious, decades‑long effort to document every species living in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world. Centered on the vital relationship between animals and their environments, the project uses striking, intimate portraits to highlight the urgency of protecting global biodiversity before it disappears. Sartore will share how the Photo Ark—now nearly two decades in the making and aiming to include more than 25,000 species—serves as both a visual record and a call to action, inviting audiences to connect with each animal through the power of eye contact and compassion.

Joel Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer, photographer, author, and conservationist known for his humor, Midwestern work ethic, and unwavering commitment to documenting endangered species and the habitats they depend on. As the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, he has dedicated years to photographing animals in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries to inspire action and highlight what’s at stake for the planet. His work appears widely—from National Geographic Magazine to Audubon, The New York Times, and major broadcast programs including 60 Minutes, Fresh Air, and CBS Sunday Morning—and he has authored numerous books, most recently Photo Ark Babies. Featured in multiple PBS and NatGeo Wild series, Sartore continues to use storytelling to advance conservation while calling Lincoln, Nebraska home with his wife, Kathy.

The recorded lecture will be accessible to those with a current ISU Net ID on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.

The University Book Store will be onsite selling the speaker's book at the event.