Only a few days are left to see an extraordinary event unfold at Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Siam Paragon. "Virtual Jungle Thailand" -- a photographic exhibition by National Geographic Photo Ark -- by the National Geographic Society and the US embassy aims to underscore the critical importance of wildlife conservation.
The mastermind behind this visual feast is Joel Sartore, an award-winning photographer and National Geographic Explorer of the Year 2018. Sartore's brainchild, the National Geographic Photo Ark, is an ambitious project launched in 2006 with a singular mission -- to document every species living in the world's zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries. Sartore's project is not merely an archival effort but a clarion call to action.
"It is folly to think we can destroy species and ecosystems and not affect humanity," Sartore emphasised during his recent interview with Life. "When we save species, we're actually saving ourselves."
This sentiment is echoed by US ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godek, a staunch advocate for wildlife conservation. Ambassador Godek, who has an illustrious career including posts as ambassador to Kenya and Tunisia, and deputy commander at the National War College, is deeply committed to environmental stewardship.
"It is really a remarkable effort to showcase species across the entire world. We are together with species, wildlife, plants, insects, and protecting them is absolutely critical to our own survival," Godek pointed out.
The "Virtual Jungle Thailand" exhibition features Sartore's most captivating images, offering visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with animals from Photo Ark, including species endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The photographs, striking in their simplicity, often feature animals against stark black or white backgrounds.
Sartore explained: "The reason that we do my black and white backgrounds is because in the first 17 years of my career at National Geographic, I did only stories in the field and animals in the wild. And only a couple really changed things that moved the needle of conservation. So then I decided to start doing things this way.
US ambassador Robert F. Godek, left, and National Geographic Photo Ark photographer Joel Sartore. National Geographic
"This has had a better effect because we can really look at animals in the eyes undistracted."
The exhibition is not just about showcasing beautiful photographs but a platform for education and inspiration. Visitors of all ages can engage with free educational materials and activities that highlight the importance of conservation. Sartore's approach is deeply rooted in the belief that awareness and education are the first steps towards meaningful action.
"We wanted to get people to look beyond that and realise that when we save nature, we're saving ourselves. Plants and insects are really at the top of the food chain and they are really what drives everything. Without them we could not survive," he said.
Godek adds that the US embassy in Thailand is heavily invested in conservation efforts, working closely with Thai authorities and international organisations. "We are doing quite a lot in partnership with the Thai government and many other organisations across Thailand to raise awareness and to help conserve and protect species. We worked closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service Office and with the Royal Thai Police to stop illegal wildlife trafficking," he noted.
The collaboration between Sartore and the US embassy is an indication to the global nature of the conservation challenge. Sartore's work in Thailand has been met with the same enthusiasm and dedication worldwide.
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"I've worked with zoos, aquariums, nonprofits and wildlife sanctuaries. They care a lot. They've devoted their lives to it. And they're proud of what they've accomplished. So it's pretty much the same. I found that around the world people get into conservation and into being good stewards of wildlife and habitats. They care about their mission, and they really appreciate the fact that National Geographic wants to tell their stories to the world," said Sartore.
The technical aspects of Sartore's photography are as meticulous as his mission. He has transitioned fully to digital photography, citing its superior quality and efficiency.
"Well, National Geographic was shifting to digital. It's a faster way to work and the files are actually better than film. They're more malleable and they're better for the press. And I agree they're also faster to edit. And you can actually see the result on your camera when you're done. You don't have to worry about exposure focus. So film is not as fast and just not as good in this age," he explained.
National Geographic
The challenges of photographing wildlife are manifold, with Sartore citing chimpanzees as particularly difficult subjects. "To me the most difficult to shoot are chimpanzees. Because we're not working with trained chimps. We're just going to zoos and chimps are smart, fast and strong, and know how to scheme and plot. And so I've never really gotten a good picture of an adult chimp yet. I've gotten good pictures of a baby."
Despite these challenges, Sartore's dedication to the Photo Ark project remains unwavering. He believes that true change in public perception and behaviour towards endangered species is a long-term effort.
"True change is generational. It takes 20 to 25 years to get something on people's radar. I think that people are reacting to climate change because they can see how violent weather threatens our homes, or extreme heat kills people. I think they see that. But in terms of endangered species, it comes down to self-preservation," he said.
Joel Sartore takes people on an exhibition tour. National Geographic
As the "Virtual Jungle Thailand" exhibition draws to a close, both Sartore and Godek hope it leaves a lasting impact on visitors. Sartore envisions a world where people reconnect with nature and understand its intrinsic value. "I hope people get out into the woods or visit national parks. They're beautiful. They're loaded with animals. I would love to see them just care about nature. That's the first step. Get your kids outside and into nature, get them off the phone or computer screens for a while. That would be really nice," he said.
Godek, from his diplomatic perspective, underscores the critical role of collective action. "I think from the embassy perspective as well, we really hope that this exhibition really inspires people to take action. We are all in this together. Only by each of us taking all of the steps we can to help conserve and protect the species, that we're going to save ourselves. That was really absolutely critical. We hope that this helps more Thai people, and Americans and others who see the actual set of results," he concluded.
The "Virtual Jungle Thailand" exhibition is a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world. It calls on each of us to take responsibility for the preservation of the incredible diversity of life that shares our planet. As Sartore's photographs so eloquently capture, the fate of these species is intertwined with our own.
