The National Geographic Photo Ark is a travelling exhibition of photographer Joel Sartore’s quest to create a photo archive of biodiversity around the world. So far, Sartore has captured studio portraits of more than 6,000 species – a number that he hopes to double. On 1 July, the ark will open at Melbourne zoo – the first time it has been exhibited in the southern hemisphere. More than 50 portraits will be on display, including many of Australian endangered animals being protected by programs at the zoo itself. These captions have been edited from text supplied by Melbourne zoo. Here: Barking owl. (Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark/The Guardian)

A pregnant woman poses on June 19, 2018 in Vertou, western France. France had an estimated population of 68.4 million by January 1, 2024, representing a further year-on-year increase of 0.3 percent, limited by a marked drop in the birth rate, the INSEE national statistics bureau of France reported on January 16, 2024. In 2023, 678,000 babies were born in France, 6.6 percent fewer than the previous year, the lowest number of births in any year since 1946. Over the same period, there were 631,000 deaths, down 6.5 percent on 2022, a year marked by the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and episodes of extreme heat. (Photo by Loic Venance/AFP Photo)

Chase Stone has been working as a freelance illustrator and concept artist for several years. His work has been featured at the Society of Illustrators and in various publications such as 2dartist Magazine, Digital Masters, and Digital Painting Techniques. Stone now lives and works in NYC.

Most beautiful pictures are those made in nature. Nothing compares with the expression of a tiger, the majestic flight of an eagle or the strength of a white bear. Below you can see 15 the most beautiful animal photographs that will capture your attention.

Studio shot of the new Red Bull Racing RB8 Formula One car is released on February 6, 2012 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Red Bull Racing/Getty Images)

Racing in the XOD class during day six of the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week on August 11, 2011 in Cowes, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

A sculpture is displayed at the Olympic Sculptures Exhibition at the Sculpture Park September 4, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)