{"id":109,"date":"2024-09-26T20:45:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/?p=109"},"modified":"2024-11-06T14:43:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T14:43:17","slug":"photo-ark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/photo-ark\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildlife conservation inspires National Geographic photo exhibit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For more than two decades, renowned wildlife photographer Joel Sartore has traveled the globe in a quest to photograph more than 25,000 wildlife species and their habitats. While the viewer is drawn to the arresting images first, Sartore\u2019s ultimate goal is raising awareness of at-risk species and the fragility of ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Nebraska State Museum visitors can now experience Sartore\u2019s National Geographic Photo Ark<\/a> project firsthand in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo Ark exhibit, which opened to the public April 2024, features digital displays of portraits and videos of more than 25,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joel Sartore\u2019s Photo Ark exhibit in Morrill Hall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bringing Sartore\u2019s Photo Ark project to the museum is the result of a donor\u2019s unique vision. Del Lienemann Jr., an alumnus who shares Sartore\u2019s passion for conservation, connected the dots between Sartore\u2019s wildlife conservation focus and the museum\u2019s commitment to educating the public about biological diversity. He and his wife, Mary, generously provided support for the Photo Ark exhibit installation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Photo Ark <\/em>exhibit aims to inspire action through education and help protect wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. No matter its size, Sartore treats each animal with the same amount of affection and respect. The results are portraits that are not just stunningly beautiful, but intimate and moving.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the eye contact that moves people,\u201d Sartore said. \u201cIt engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Morrill Hall, the Photo Ark exhibit includes a dedicated seating area where visitors view videos of Sartore explaining his mission and learn about behind-the-scenes details, such as the challenge of getting animals to stay in one place long enough to photograph them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sartore has produced several books on the theme and regularly contributes to National Geographic magazine and the CBS Sunday Morning Show. His portraits have been featured in numerous national media outlets and a PBS documentary series. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJoel\u2019s stunning photographs remind us of the interconnectedness of all life,\u201d said museum director Susan Weller, \u201cPhoto Ark will continue its mission as a permanent exhibit in Morrill Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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