National Geographic Photographer Introduces Local Students to Wildlife

Photo: David Bazemore/UCSB Arts & Lectures

By edhat staff

UCSB Arts and Lectures hosted an educational lecture on Monday for local students with National Geographic wildlife photographer Joel Sartore.

The Granada Theatre was filled with 1,500 students in grades four through six excited to view Sartore’s photos that feature the world’s cutest, strangest, rarest and most majestic animals, showcasing the inspiration, comical mishaps and endearing encounters behind his mission to change the world, one photo – and one species – at a time.

The photographer expressed his belief in the power of a portrait to change the world. He leads the National Geographic Photo Ark project – a multiyear initiative to document every living species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries before it’s too late. By giving the opportunity to look these animals in the eye, he hopes to inspire action through education and help save at-risk species from extinction while there’s still time.

To date, Sartore has photographed more than 9,500 of an estimated 12,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates – from the massive African elephant to the tiniest bumblebee. Once completed, the Photo Ark will serve as an important record of each animal’s existence and a powerful testament to the importance of saving them.

“It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves,” said Sartore.

Arts & Lectures launched the Arts Adventures program in 2016-2017, transporting school children from local and neighboring districts to witness live performances from visiting artists and speakers. The new and engaging programs, along with the bus transportation, are at no cost to the participating schools.