Rabat – National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore presented, Wednesday at the Zoological Garden of Rabat, The Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of endangered species around the world.

Becoming an important tool to raise awareness of the problems related to the preservation of nature and species, “The Photo Ark” aims to document 20,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from zoos and aquariums around the world.

Joel Sartore travels to wildlife areas and preserves around the world to remind the public of valuable species that are in danger of disappearing. Thanks to this project, Joel Sartore has been able to capture thousands of animals living in the four corners of the planet.

In this context, the visit of the American photographer to Morocco aims to enrich his catalog by documenting the endemic Moroccan and African species that the Zoological Garden of Rabat is home to such as the Atlas lion, the African elephant, the mouflon sleeve, gazelles and several species of reptiles.

Speaking at the meeting, Joel Sartore said that his project, which is a way to create history, has allowed him to learn to respect animals, noting that through the documentation of all species of the world in zoos, aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation centers, he aims to involve a wide audience to stop the extinction of these species.

“We have been doing this for 16 years and we have recorded about 13,500 species so far,” he said, noting that the goal is to record a total of between 20,000 and 24,000 species worldwide.

“We are photographing the animals on black and white backgrounds, using studio lighting to show the true color of the animals, to give them all the same size and importance because there is no comparison in size, and to tell their story before they go extinct, while there is still time to save their habitats,” he explained, noting that the project covers all types of animals, from ants to elephants.

“I am here for this trip mainly to photograph the African forest elephant that is here in the zoo of Rabat,” continued the photographer.