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16 enthralling wildlife photos spotlighting the need for conservation

Published

13 hours ago

January 14, 2025

A black rhino rests under a rainbow at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. In 2024, 21 black rhinos were moved to their new home at Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. Kenyaís black rhino population was poached almost to extinction and went from a low of 290 animals to 1004 today. They are expanding their habitat and it is a testament to Kenyaís conservation efforts. Ami Vitaleís career stands as a testament to her deep dedication to documenting and addressing global crises. As an acclaimed National Geographic photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker, as well as the founder of Vital Impacts, Ami has consistently spotlighted critical issues affecting our world. Her journey began in conflict zones, where she observed firsthand how environmental degradationófrom resource scarcity to climate changeóintensifies human suffering and conflict. Follow Ami on Instagram @amivitale Photo by Ami Vitale/The Nature Conservancy

Lala locks eyes with Kristi Odom’s camera. The jaguar’s steely stare reveals nothing of her distressing story. Lala survived illegal wildlife trafficking in the Bolivian Amazon and now lives in a sanctuary with other rescued big cats. As a filmmaker and photographer, Odom travels to remote places to document our planet’s biodiversity and the threats to endangered creatures like Lala.

The photograph of Lala (seen below) is part of a collection from Vital Impacts, a non-profit focused on conservation efforts through storytelling work with visual journalists. For its current initiative, Vital Impacts is selling 100 breathtaking prints from notable photographers to support indigenous communities through COICA (Convening Group of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon).

This is Lala, a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking from the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. Lala’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the immense pressures facing the Amazon’s wildlife. Struggling from the destruction of their natural habitats and the relentless demand of the illegal wildlife trade, animals like Lala are increasingly at risk. The Amazon, a vast and biodiverse ecosystem, is home to countless species, but their survival is threatened by human exploitation and environmental degradation. Lala has been rescued and now lives in a sanctuary that is helping her and other jaguars thrive. Lala’s story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect these vulnerable creatures and their fragile homes. Photographer and Filmmaker, Kristi Odom, has worked in some of the earth’s most remote locations to help document stories that will help protect our planet’s biodiversity. She is an internationally awarded photographer, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Nikon Ambassador and a motivational speaker. She believes strongly in the power of photography to help create positive change and ultimately help protect the planet’s wildlife.
Follow Kristi on Instagram @kristiodom. Credit: Kristi Odom/Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“It is my hope that this work will help raise awareness of the urgent challenges facing our planet,” Vital Impacts founder Ami Vitale said. “In the last fifty years, we have lost 73 percent of the world’s wildlife—a stark reminder of the magnitude of the biodiversity crisis we are confronting. The future of our planet is in our hands. We cannot afford to feel paralyzed by the scale of the challenge nor can we afford to wait for someone else to act – this is up to us.”

The campaign runs through January 31. More information can be found at Vital Impacts. (Click to expand images to full size.)

“P-22 birthed a wildlife movement in L.A. that is only going to grow and grow… Thereís no cat like him.” -Steve Winter P-22 was an elusive yet infamous wild cougar who made Los Angeles’s Griffith Park his home for 10 years, nearly his whole life. He passed away on Dec. 17, 2022, as a result of complications from old age and injuries from a car strike. He was 12-years-old, elderly for a mountain lion. He was beloved by millions and his legacy lives on. He has literally changed the landscape for wildlife in Los Angeles and beyond. The photo sparked a movement to protect southern California’s last cougars and other wildlife in two large protected areas bisected by the 101 Freeway north of L.A. It will be the World’s Largest Wildlife Overpass when completed in 2024. Proceeds from the sale of Hollywood Cougar will benefit Big Cat Voices, a nonprofit bringing the most vital issues facing big cats into the spotlight. Steve Winter, founder of Founder of Big Cat Voices, has been a photographer for National Geographic for over two decades, He specializes in wildlife, and particularly, big cats. He is a Nat Geo Explorer and he’s been named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year. Follow Steve on Instagram @stevewinterphoto. — “P-22 birthed a wildlife movement in L.A. that is only going to grow and grow… There’s no cat like him.” -Steve Winter P-22 was an elusive yet infamous wild cougar who made Los Angeles’s Griffith Park his home for 10 years, nearly his whole life. He passed away on Dec. 17, 2022, as a result of complications from old age and injuries from a car strike. He was 12-years-old, elderly for a mountain lion. He was beloved by millions and his legacy lives on.

He has significantly impacted the wildlife landscape in Los Angeles and beyond, sparking a movement to protect southern California’s last cougars and other wildlife in two large protected areas bisected by the 101 Freeway north of L.A. The completion of the World’s Largest Wildlife Overpass in 2024 will be a testament to his efforts. The proceeds from the sale of Hollywood Cougar will support Big Cat Voices, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing attention to critical issues facing big cats. Steve Winter, the founder of Big Cat Voices, is a renowned wildlife photographer for National Geographic with over two decades of experience, specializing in big cats. He has received prestigious awards for his work and is dedicated to conservation efforts. Follow Steve on Instagram @stevewinterphoto. Credit: Steve Winter/Courtesy of Vital Impacts DAVID WHITE Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott are photographers who have a passion for capturing the beauty of nature in remote places like Andrews Bay in South Georgia Island, where they spend most of their time following animals and landscapes. Their work reflects a deep commitment to preserving the wild essence of these locations. Image credit: Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. That means flying from the North Pole to the South Pole and back every year! Researchers have discovered that Arctic Terns follow zigzagging routes and travel up to 71,000 kilometers annually. Arnfinn Johansen, a wildlife photographer from Norway, captures stunning images of these impressive birds. His work has been celebrated in international competitions and can be seen in exhibitions and publications. Follow Arnfinn on Instagram @arnfinn_johansen. Follow Karine on Instagram @karineaigner. Credit: Karine Aigner/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Karine Aigner

Karine Aigner’s life is a series of adventures that have led her to a fervent passion for storytelling through photography. Her focus has turned to animals, exploring their relationships with humans and their environment. Follow Karine on Instagram @kaigner.

Shane Gross, a Canadian underwater and conservation photojournalist, captures the daily struggles of western toad tadpoles in British Columbia, Canada. His work highlights the beauty of underwater ecosystems and raises awareness about the threats they face. Follow Shane on Instagram @shanegrossphoto.

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