[_ | national crocraphic | SOCIETY WHO WE ARE | WHAT WE DC T INVOLVED WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 18, 2017 + 7: Eom Joel Sartore Receives Rungius Medal from National Museum of Wildlife Art National Geographic Photo Ark founder recognized for exceptional contribution to awareness of willife Contact NGS Communications Team Ifyou are a member of the media with an inquiry or ‘interview request, please call uring regular business hours oremail pressroom@ngs.ore (202) 857 7027 ‘Share this ‘Joel Sartore Receives Rungius Medal from National Museum of wllalife art ‘Summary Photo Ark founder and National Geographic Fellow Joel Sartore received the National wo Fin Ge Museum of Wiidlife r’s Rungius Medal in recognition of his contribution to wildlife ‘and habitat awareness Latest news ‘Aug 07, 2017 - Swim with ‘Since Joel Sartore founded the National Geographic Photo Ark in 1995, he has ‘Sharks, Explore the Tomb of travelled to 40 countries and photographed more than 6,500 species. In 2017 alone. Christ, Paddleboard with Sartore published two National Geographic books and six magazine articles, opened Polar Bears at National three new US. exhibitions in zoos and one internationally, and launched the Geographic #SaveTogether Out of Home (OOH) advertising campaign with OAAA Adding to his lst of accemplishments In 2017, Sartore recelved the Rungius Medal from the National .travelled to 40 countries and photographed more than 6500 species. In 2017 alone, Christ, Paddleboard with Sortore published two Natlonal Geographic books and six magazine articles. opened Polar Bears at National three new US. exhibitions in zoes andl one internationally, and launched the ceographic ‘#SaveTogether Out of Home (OOH) advertising campaign with GAMA. Adding to his ist of eccomalshments in 2017, Sartore received the Rungius Meda from the National . Musoum of wildlife Ar: “To say that this is an honor would be an understatement” Sartore said of winning the award. “My deepest thanks to the museum, and the fine work they have done for Gecades The mission of the National Geographic Photo Ark and the museum are ‘much the same; to engage the public with the wonders of nature, and be moved to ‘save It, while there's still time” ‘The medal is awarded in recognition of lifetime or exceptional contribution te the awareness of wildlife and the habitat necessary for Its survival. The prestigious award puts Sartore in the company of 18 other recipients who dedicated their careers to ‘wildlife and habitat awareness, including Jane Goodall, Bob Kuhn, Mardy Murie and EO Wilson. Debbie Petersen, Chairman of the Board of the National Museum of Wildlife Art, said ‘that Sartore was chosen, “because he Is the personification of the mission of the National Museum of Wildlife Art* [As founder and photographer behind the National Geographic Photo Ark, Sartore’s, mission is to phetogranh every animal living in the world's zoos and wildlife ‘sanctuaries, At the National Geographic Explorers Festival in June. Sartore announced that he was halfway through with his project. He estimates that it will take him another 15 years to finish the project and document the remaining 6,000 species. “Through the power of visuals, we continue to give a voice to the voiceless, Sartore ‘sald. There is no higher calling” ‘Anew National Geographic exhibition featuring Sartore’s work on the National Geographic Photo Ark is on display at the National Museum of Wildlife Art through August 20. 2077, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC