Renowned Photographer Joel Sartore to Speak at The Lawrence

Tuesday, April 26
5:00–7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets Now!

Joel Sartore is a world-renowned National Geographic photographer and founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark. To date, Sartore has captured portraits of over 12,000 species in over 50 countries in his quest to create a photographic archive of global biodiversity. On Tuesday, April 26, Sartore will visit The Lawrence and speak about his compelling photography at a benefit event.  

Sartore started the Photo Ark more than a decade ago, with the goal of documenting every species under human care in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across the globe. When the project is complete, it will feature portraits of over 20,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, serving as a record of their existence. Sartore’s intimate and moving portraits are also a stirring call to action to save these animals.

“It’s the eye contact that moves people,” Sartore explains. “It engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help.”

In addition to the photo archive, the Photo Ark engages students in the classroom with free learning materials, and inspires the public through exhibitions, books, TV specials, and other media. The Photo Ark also works with the Zoological Society of London to build conservation capacity around the world, providing funding, training, development, and support for on-the-ground conservationists.

This benefit event also offers a unique opportunity to preview two new exhibits at The Lawrence! Guests can explore the newly-constructed Robert & Elizabeth Karplus Outdoor Nature Lab, and witness the unveiling of a new permanent exhibit at The Lawrence created by Dr. Paul Bartlett, featuring images from the Photo Ark. Proceeds from this event benefit The Lawrence’s programs, including our Animal Discovery Zone.

Learn more and buy tickets now!

*Photo of a Fiji Island banded iguana, Brachylophus fasciatus, at the Los Angeles Zoo © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark