The California Science Center presents Wildlife in Focus, a beautiful photographic exhibit featuring 12 portraits of some of the animals who have called the California Science Center their home. Captured by photographer Joel Sartore for his Photo Ark project, dedicated to documenting every animal species before they disappear. Wildlife in Focus opens November 16, 2024.
More than 3,000 animals reside at the California Science Center, and together they represent hundreds of species. Some thrive in the wild, while others are at risk. Many are easy to overlook. Every animal in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife refuge is an ambassador for its species. They help scientists, staff and the public learn the animals’ needs and how to protect them in the wild. This is especially important for rare and endangered animals. These animals may be hard to find and study in nature. Photography is a powerful tool that inspires people to help protect species while there is still time. Photographer Joel Sartore visited the California Science Center in 2019 and captured portraits of 18 animals and twelve of these photographs are on view in the exhibition.
This exhibit also highlights the team at the California Science Center who care for the animals, keeping them healthy and protecting species by tracking natural ecosystems and supporting research on threatened animals. The animals at the California Science Center are ambassadors that teach guests, staff, and researchers about the animals in our world; the first step towards caring about any animal is knowing that it’s there.
Wildlife in Focus includes a digital interactive experience where guests can input an address anywhere in the world and see photographs of local animals that have been observed in that area, demonstrating that wildlife, however big or small, is all around us.
“Our Wildlife in Focus exhibit offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the animals that call the California Science Center home and emphasizes the importance of species conservation,” said Jeffrey N. Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “The exhibit and the stunning portraits by Joel Sartore highlight not only the beauty of these creatures but also the critical role they play in teaching us about biodiversity and inspiring action to protect wildlife for future generations.”
The Wildlife in Focus exhibit is a new addition to the Ecosystems gallery of the Science Center. Admission is FREE, and reservations are not required. Other highlights of the Ecosystems include:
- The giant Kelp Forest where guests can join a Q&A session with a diver to learn more about these underwater forests and the animals that live there.
- The Rocky Shore which includes a touch tank where visitors discover how sea life survives harsh conditions and can touch a creature or two.
- The Desert with live animals including a desert tortoise, scorpions, fennec foxes, among others.
Additional zones in the Ecosystems gallery include Poles, Deep Sea Vents, Island Zone, River Zone, L.A. Zone, and Global Zone – all with interactive elements to explore.
About Joel Sartore
Joel Sartore is an award-winning photographer, speaker, author, conservationist, and the 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine and an Eagle Scout. Joel specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes around the world. He is the founder of the Photo Ark, a 25-year documentary project to save species and habitat.
Credit: The California Science Center.
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