National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore reached a major milestone this year when his Photo Ark project documented its 18,000th animal species. The achievement arrived on the 20th anniversary of the effort to photograph every species held in human care. Sartore remains uncertain exactly which animal crossed the threshold, though he credits the critically endangered red handfish with helping push the count over the line. ([1])
A Surprising Threshold
The red handfish, a small, vividly colored creature sometimes compared to a grumpy Muppet, drew attention for its rarity and need for greater awareness. Sartore noted the species while working in Australia, where the anniversary coincided with fieldwork. Days later, back home in Nebraska, he found himself photographing an unidentified moth that had landed on his screen door. He gently coaxed the insect into a cup for a portrait and sent images to experts for identification. That contrast between a rare marine fish and a common backyard moth captures the breadth of the project. Sartore treats every subject with the same care, whether the animal is critically endangered or simply passing through his porch.
Shooting Wherever Animals Appear
Sartore maintains a practical schedule that follows opportunities rather than rigid itineraries. Zoos and aquariums form the core of his work, yet he also visits pet shops, joins bioblitzes that rapidly document local wildlife, and participates in stream sampling organized by utilities such as the Tennessee Valley Authority. A cave expedition in Kenya added further species to the archive. His Midwestern outlook keeps the process grounded. Colleagues describe him as friendly, optimistic, and focused on the task at hand. When an animal appears, he works quickly and efficiently, often turning unexpected encounters into formal portraits that highlight each creature’s distinct features.
The Human Element Behind the Lens
The project’s longevity stems from Sartore’s willingness to adapt. He photographs animals in controlled settings and in the wild, always prioritizing clear, respectful images that can support conservation messaging. The 18,000-species mark underscores how steadily the archive has grown over two decades. Each new portrait adds to a visual record that spans continents and habitats. Sartore continues to seek out subjects that might otherwise remain unseen, whether they live in distant facilities or appear unexpectedly close to home. The quest shows no sign of slowing. With thousands of species still unphotographed, Sartore’s camera remains ready for the next encounter, wherever it occurs.
