FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition “One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals” Now Opens at Siam Paragon
Bangkok, Thailand – July 11, 2024: The U.S. Embassy Bangkok proudly invites you to experience the fascinating diversity of animals with which we share this planet at the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition, “One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals.” This extraordinary showcase, held at Siam Paragon’s Living Hall from July 11-29, 2024, offers an unprecedented opportunity to witness the remarkable diversity of life through the lens of renowned National Geographic Photographer and Explorer, Joel Sartore.
Founded by Sartore in 2006, the National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project dedicated to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries. The project aims to inspire people to care for and protect these animals for future generations. The National Geographic Photo Ark is a visually compelling initiative that seeks to photograph endangered species before it’s too late. In addition to creating an archival record for posterity, this project serves as a hopeful platform for conservation and highlights the efforts of individuals and organizations working to preserve species worldwide.
The Photo Ark, a world-renowned traveling exhibition, is showing for the first time in Thailand. This project is managed by creative director and Thailand’s celebrated contemporary photographer, Tom Potisit. The exhibit takes you on an unforgettable visual journey through stunning portraits and powerful narratives, highlighting the urgency of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species, and inspiring a collective commitment to safeguard their future and ours.
Exhibition Highlights:
- Film Screenings: Enjoy a series of films focused on wildlife conservation.
- Talks and Workshops: Learn from renowned photographers about documenting wildlife through visual storytelling.
- Marine Conservation: Gain insights from experienced marine conservationists and scientists on preserving the biodiversity of Thailand’s oceans.
- Sustainable Tourism: Discover the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism.
- Children’s Activities: Children can enjoy film screenings about conservation.
- Educational Insights: Educators can learn from an academic biologist about integrating conservation education into school curriculums.
For the full schedule of events, please visit https://th.usembassy.gov/wildlife/natgeophotoark
This exhibition is part of the U.S. Mission Thailand’s initiative to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and highlight the collaborative efforts between the United States and Thailand in combating transborder wildlife trafficking. The U.S. Mission in Thailand extends its gratitude to our partners Siam Piwat Group, Siam Paragon, B.Grimm, and UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) for their support of this exhibition. Photo Ark is organized and traveled by The National Geographic Society.
About the National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition
The “National Geographic Photo Ark” exhibition features some of Sartore’s most captivating images, offering visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with animals from the National Geographic Photo Ark, including some that are endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The exhibition will educate visitors about the project, its mission, and conservation efforts while engaging audiences of all ages through free educational materials and activities.
Learn more about the Photo Ark and how to support Sartore in his efforts to document our planet’s biodiversity, help save at-risk species and protect their critical habitats at NatGeoPhotoArk.org.
About Joel Satore
In 2006, world renowned photographer Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in an effort to document every species living in human care, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. For more than 15 years, he’s traveled to zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity. Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer, public speaker, author, educator, conservationist and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. www.joelsartore.com
About Tom Potisit
Tom Potisit is a Thailand-based contemporary photographer whose work addresses important social and environmental issues. His work has touched upon many important global issues from minority rights, endangered marine animals, organ donation, and environmental issues. He has previously worked with world renowned photographers, namely as the producer for Steve McCurry’s Belonging Photo Book, the master of ceremony of James Nachtwey’s Memoria Exhibition, and the production manager for Michel Auder’s Nine Plus Five Works Exhibition in Bangkok. His latest work “The Middle Path” won the international competition, exhibited and displayed on a billboard in Time Square, New York City last year. www.tompotisit.com
U.S. Mission Supports Thailand in Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts
The United States has been a close ally and partner with Thailand for two centuries, collaborating in various fields, including wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and in neighboring countries. In 2024, the U.S. Mission Thailand is launching “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” a digital campaign to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand. For more information about the U.S. Mission’s ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, please visit: https://th.usembassy.gov/wildlife.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Alisara Chirapongse, The United States Embassy | pressbkk@state.gov | +66 (0) 2-205-4232
Jidapa Parry, TQPR (Thailand) | mint@tqpr.com | +66 (0) 2-260-5820 ext. 113