22 Interesting Facts about Joel Sartore

Dan August 6, 2023

Joel Sartore is an accomplished American photographer, conservationist, and speaker known for his impactful work documenting endangered species and biodiversity around the world. Born on June 16, 1962, Sartore’s passion for wildlife and photography led him to pursue a career focused on capturing the beauty and importance of our planet’s most vulnerable creatures.

Sartore is best known for his ambitious project, “Photo Ark,” which he started in 2006. The project’s goal is to photograph every species living in captivity, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the urgent need to protect endangered species. Over the years, “Photo Ark” has grown into an extraordinary collection of portraits, with Sartore traveling to zoos and wildlife sanctuaries worldwide to document these creatures and tell their stories.

Beyond his photographic endeavors, Joel Sartore is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to wildlife conservation and has collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic, speaking at various events to share the message of preserving biodiversity and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Sartore’s work continues to inspire millions, reminding us of the urgency to protect our planet’s diverse wildlife and ensure a sustainable future for all species.

Do you want to know more about Joel Sartore? Let’s take a look at these 22 interesting facts about Joel Sartore to know more about him.

1. Joel Sartore was born on June 16, 1962, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, USA.
2. He developed a passion for photography at an early age and began taking photos with his father’s camera.
3. Sartore studied journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he honed his photography skills.
4. He worked as a newspaper photographer before becoming a contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine.
5. Joel Sartore’s work has taken him to more than 40 countries to photograph endangered species and their habitats.
6. The “Photo Ark” project, started by Sartore in 2006, aims to photograph every species living in captivity to promote conservation awareness.
7. “Photo Ark” has become one of the largest archives of animal photographs, with over 10,000 species documented so far.
8. Sartore uses a simple black or white background for his animal portraits, creating a visually striking and consistent style.
9. He often photographs animals at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, emphasizing the importance of these institutions in species preservation.
10. Joel Sartore believes that connecting people to the faces of endangered species through photography can inspire greater empathy and conservation efforts.
11. In 2017, Sartore published a book titled “The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals.”
12. He has appeared on various media platforms to promote conservation, including “CBS Sunday Morning,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and TED Talks.
13. Sartore is a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP).
14. In 2018, he was named an Ambassador for the National Geographic Society.
15. He received the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
16. Joel Sartore was the 2021 recipient of the Henry David Thoreau Prize for Nature Writing.
17. The “Photo Ark” project has received support from the National Geographic Society, which awarded Sartore multiple grants to continue his work.
18. He also collaborates with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
19. Sartore is an advocate for sustainable living and reducing human impact on the environment to protect wildlife.
20. He is a sought-after public speaker, sharing his experiences and raising awareness about endangered species and conservation.
21. In addition to wildlife, Sartore has photographed a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, culture, and historical sites.
22. Sartore’s photography has touched the hearts of people worldwide, reminding us of the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the urgency of preserving it for future generations.

In the world of photography and conservation, Joel Sartore stands as a true visionary, using his remarkable talent and passion to bridge the gap between humanity and the natural world. Through his awe-inspiring “Photo Ark” project, Sartore has immortalized the faces of endangered species, serving as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. His dedication to raising awareness about the plight of endangered creatures and the significance of biodiversity has inspired millions to take action and protect the wonders of our planet. With each captivating photograph, Joel Sartore sparks a connection between people and wildlife, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to echo through generations, encouraging us all to cherish, preserve, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.