Plot Synopsis

RARE: CREATURES OF THE PHOTO ARK is a three-part series, that follows renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore as he documents threatened species at zoos, in nature preserves, and more. Throughout RARE, scientists and naturalists reveal surprising and important information about why ensuring the future of these animals is so critical. Sartore's Photo Ark project is a digital collection of the world's mammals, fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles and insects. To capture photos for this collection, Sartore has traveled to nearly 40 countries to photograph 6,395 species for the Photo Ark to date, including 576 amphibians, 1,839 birds, 716 fish, 1,123 invertebrates, 896 mammals, and 1,245 reptiles in captivity. When complete the Photo Ark will be one of the most comprehensive records of the world's biodiversity. Through RARE, audiences can journey with Sartore across the globe -- to Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania -- to chronicle his experiences. Sartore knows he is in a race against time. Sometimes he is able to photograph 30 to 40 species in a few days. Others are disappearing before he can get to them. RARE looks at factors driving extinction, including deforestation, rising sea levels, invasive species, pollution and human development, all impacting creatures essential to the world's ecosystems.
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On Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS premiered the finale of RARE: CREATURES OF THE PHOTO ARK. In the third and final installment, travel with photographer Joel Sartore as he adds vibrant insects to his Photo Ark collection and searches for larger animals in Budapest and Prague. He also tags along on a Rowi kiwi egg rescue in New Zealand.