Incredible pics of zoo animals prove just how human the world’s most endangered creatures can appear
The touching series explores the way caged animals display emotion
These incredible photos of zoo animals reveal just how human some of the world’s most endangered animals can appear.
Taken over an 18-month period at Melbourne Zoo, Australia, the series of touching close-up shots explore the way caged animals display emotion.
Photographer Art Xanthopoulos was determined that her stunning images capture the animals’ bond with one another in an effort to prove to her audience that the creatures are not so far removed from humans.
When people view the images, my hope is that they will see these animals as more than just animals in a zoo.
Art Xanthopoulos
Art, 44, said: “The images are designed to show the connection and bond between offspring and adults directly and indirectly within their community and across all the species photographed.”
The pics show apes cradling their young, orangutans kissing and lions embracing.
The project was created by photographer Art to raise awareness of the importance and dangers of the animals becoming endangered.
The Melbourne based photographer said: “As with my previous work, the images are also designed to showcase the ‘humanism’ of the great apes and in doing so help bring to the fore the plight these animals face in the wild.
“Some species like the Sumatran orangutan and western lowland gorilla remain on the critically endangered list.
Art’s beautifully detailed photos feature the Sumatran tiger - which is classed as ‘critically endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, with numbers in the wild falling.
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Threats include habitat loss as palm oil plantations are extended through their natural range, hunting for traditional medicine and loss of prey.
Having visited Melbourne Zoo many times over the years, Art decided to photograph them to show her viewers they are more than just zoo animals.
“When people view the images, my hope is that they will see these animals as more than just animals in a zoo and take the time to understand the risks they face due to human encroachment on their habitats,” she said.
“In so doing I hope that they will then demand more from food companies and the government towards accurate food labelling.
“Only then can we, as consumers, understand that our choices impact on the survival of these species.”
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