In an inspiring effort to protect the planet’s vanishing wildlife, a photographer from Nebraska has made it his mission to document over 6,000 species before they fade into oblivion. Meet Jake Thompson, who has traveled the globe capturing stunning images of endangered animals as part of a project called the Photo Ark, in collaboration with National Geographic. His captivating photographs will be showcased at the San Diego Natural History Museum, aiming to ignite passion and action for these creatures in peril.
“I want people to care, to develop a bond with these animals, and to take action,” Jake shares. One of his most endearing subjects is a brow-antlered deer named Frosty, whom he met at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Over the past quarter-century, Jake has traveled extensively, including a memorable encounter with two red-shanked douc langurs at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Vietnam.
The Photo Ark website beautifully states, “No matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect.” This philosophy shines through in the powerful portraits, which are not just visually stunning but also deeply moving. For instance, Jake captured a breathtaking image of the endangered Coquerel’s Sifaka, showcasing its grace.
While species are classified into three categories—critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable—all face significant extinction risks. Shockingly, many are unaware that the giraffe population has plummeted by 40% in just three decades, landing them on the vulnerable list.
Jake hopes his work will inspire people to contribute their time and resources to safeguard these species for future generations. His earlier photos of Suci and her mother, Emi, the Sumatran rhinos at the Cincinnati Zoo, are a poignant reminder of the urgency of conservation. “They’re poached at such an alarming rate that biologists worry they could vanish from the wild within twenty years,” he notes.
With over 700,000 followers on Instagram, Jake’s images resonate deeply. “It’s the eye contact that grabs people’s hearts,” he explains. These powerful expressions evoke compassion and a desire to help. He began the Photo Ark in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, and has since explored 40 countries, capturing the beauty of global biodiversity. “It’s naive to think we can destroy species and ecosystems without impacting humanity,” he warns. “By saving these species, we ultimately save ourselves.”
The funds raised through the Photo Ark will support on-the-ground conservation efforts, targeting critically endangered animals like Malie, a 12-year-old Australian sea lion at Taronga Zoo. You can contribute directly to the Photo Ark or purchase a print from Jake, with all proceeds fueling this vital initiative.
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In summary, Jake Thompson’s Photo Ark is not just a collection of breathtaking wildlife photography; it’s a heartfelt call to action. By showcasing the beauty and fragility of endangered species, he hopes to inspire a global movement towards conservation and protection of our planet’s biodiversity.