Man on a Mission:
Building the Photo Ark
I’m Joel Sartore.
Ever wonder about those wildlife photographers who risk life and limb to get the perfect shot? That’s me. I’ve spent 25 years with National Geographic—and I’ve got the stories and scars to prove it. These days my focus is on the Photo Ark, the world’s largest collection of animal studio portraits. My goal is simple: to get the public to care and save species from extinction.
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9585 species photographed for the Photo Ark
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A modern-day Noah
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1 porcupine named Piper on the cover of
National Geographic
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4 times chased by grizzlies
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300 talks given worldwide
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2 spitting cobras found in camera gear
Speaking Engagements
“Joel never fails to dazzle.”
Known for his sense of humor and incredible stories from the field, Joel is a popular speaker with conservation, corporate, and civic groups.
Hire him to entertain and inspire your audience.
Recent Talks
Joel is the founder of the Photo Ark, a 25-year effort to photograph every species in human care around the globe.
Joel Sartore News
On the brink: The Endangered Species Act
On July 21, 2019 CBS news published this story about the Endangered Species Act. “The good news is that 99% of them have not been declared extinct. The not-so-good news is that only 2% have recovered, like the bald eagle and the American alligator.”
Get the Story