National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is on a mission to capture portraits of the world’s species before they disappear. Sartore believes that if we can see each animal eye-to-eye, we will work to save them. Through the National Geographic Photo Ark, his images inspire action and compassion through education and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. To date, Sartore has photographed nearly 10,000 of an estimated 15,000 species living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries for the National Geographic Photo Ark. Hear about the inspiration, comical mishaps and endearing encounters behind his mission to change the world, one photo—and one species—at a time.