This winter in an Australian-first, The National Geographic Photo Ark is coming to Melbourne Zoo. This exclusive photo exhibition is using the power of photography to inspire people to save animals before it’s too late.

The National Geographic Photo Ark is pursuing the ambitious goal of photographing every species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, to inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation projects.
This multi-year effort from National Geographic fellow and photographer Joel Sartore will see him create intimate portraits of an estimated 12,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. 

Joel Sartore has already visited 40 countries in his quest to create this photo archive of global biodiversity and the exhibition features images taken at Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. To date, he has completed intimate portraits of more than 6,000 species. In Term 3, Melbourne Zoo will host a curated photographic exhibition showcasing these incredible portraits of animals on the brink.

The Art of Conservation education program at Melbourne Zoo in Term 3 has been designed to align with the Visual Arts curriculum and Zoos Victoria’s mission to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

During The Art of Conservation program at Melbourne Zoo, students will have the opportunity to view, respond and interpret animal conservation artwork and use the cultural and contemporary frameworks to ultimately answer the question, “Can art save a species?”

Following an educator-guided session students will be accompanied through a viewing of Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition where they can apply their analytical skills to this exhibition.

Students will also have the opportunity to explore Melbourne Zoo and select additional artwork to refine their skills of art analysis or take the opportunity to create their own pieces of artwork.

The students will have the opportunity to participate in the following:
•  Educator-led introduction workshop, where students examine animals in art through history. (Cultural and contemporary framework)
•  National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition viewing guided by an educator. (Cultural and contemporary framework)
•  Independent fieldwork examining art at Melbourne Zoo, practicing art interpretation skills and/or an opportunity to create their own artwork.

The education program will run from 1 July – 1 October 2017
For more information 
https://www.zoo.org.au/education/melbourne/art-of-conservation

View Be Wild, Be Creative Zart Workshop at Melbourne Zoo details