OUR MISSION
SHARING THE PHOTO ARK WITH THE WORLD
The mission of the Photo Ark Foundation is to use the power of storytelling, through still images and videos, to inspire conservation action, raise awareness for all creatures great and small, and ensure a future where wildlife thrives.
The Photo Ark’s highly engaging and meticulously cataloged visuals are a one-of-a-kind encyclopedia of life on the planet. They serve as an invaluable tool for scientists, educators, and the public, both now and for generations to come.
The Photo Ark Foundation strives to assist nonprofits and scientific and educational organizations on collaborative projects that utilize our unique archive. Scientific research, educational exhibitions, and classroom or lecture use are typical requests.
For editorial, advertising or other commercial uses, please contact Joel Sartore Photography.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
The Photo Ark Foundation showcases the portraits, voices, and stories of species from around the world through exhibitions, print and digital media, lectures, shows, and more.
Our images and videos go to work to raise awareness and to help save species. We partner with organizations that directly impact conservation initiatives. To learn more, or to see if your project qualifies for a discounted or free media license, please reach out directly through our “Contact” page.
OUR CORE VALUES
At the Photo Ark Foundation, we hold a number of core values and driving goals to preserve and share the species of the Photo Ark with the world.
Our Goals:
- Preserving all Photo Ark images and videos for all time.
- Maintaining and reviewing species information documented in the Photo Ark, in order to offer a stunning visual encyclopedia of animal life on Earth.
- Sharing Photo Ark images and video with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and all facilities that the Photo Ark has worked with to document species.
Future Goals:
- Offering grants to other environmental and wildlife organizations to further their work in protecting other species and the planet as a whole.
- Sharing the Photo Ark collection through numerous public engagement efforts.
- Creating an ongoing physical archive of all species documented in the Photo Ark for posterity.
PHOTO ARK NEWS & UPDATES
WINTER | 2026
Over 24 days in January, the Photo Ark team traveled across the Australian continent. During the expedition, many of Australia’s endemic species were documented for the Photo Ark to ensure that the rich and diverse wildlife of the region lives on in the project. Starting off in Sydney, the team returned to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park to wrap up coverage of their extensive bird collection, having first visited last April. Over the following three weeks, the Photo Ark went from Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Melbourne, Melbourn to Tasmania, Tasmania to Perth, Perth to Darwin, Darwin to Adelaide, and finally back to Sydney to wrap at the Australian Museum. The Australian Museum is home to an incredible specimen collection that includes one of the most well-preserved examples of a young Thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger. Preserved in a large jar of formula, this Thylacine pup reminded all of us in the room of the vital importance to continue the fight for awareness and appreciation of other species. Without knowing about or caring for our fellow species, so many could face a fate similar to the Thylacine. With that extinct species added to the Photo Ark, we packed our gear and started the journey home, ready to begin planning the next Photo Ark expedition to show the world the beauty and fragility around us all.
SUMMER | 2025
The Foundation is thrilled to share that the Photo Ark team recently completed a 3 ½ week expedition through Brazil. During this trip, many endemic species were added to the Photo Ark, including the Striped Brazilian rainbow boa, the Chaco eagle, and the Rio Purus titi monkey. This expedition was particularly special, as more primate species were added than on any previous trip. One unique primate amazed the team: a male Red-nosed saki monkey (Chiropotes albinasus) at the Eco Park Foz in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. On the more colorful side, the Brassy-breasted tanager (Tangara desmaresti) at the São Paulo Zoo flashed clusters of incredibly bright feathers. With upcoming expeditions in Australia, Germany, and Taiwan, the Photo Ark moves forward in documenting the Earth’s biodiversity.
Check back with the Photo Ark Foundation for updates on recent additions to the image collection, and consider donating to our cause of sharing these species and their stories.