What future does the next generation of wildlife face? Around the world, animals born today are confronted by serious threats to their existence: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, climate change and more.

We’re in the midst of the world’s sixth mass extinction event, the first to be caused by human activity. One million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within the next few decades, from iconic animals, like lions, elephants and cheetahs, to ‘unsung heroes’ and little-known species of cats, birds, insects, frogs and fish, including creatures we don’t even know exist yet.

Change is possible. It’s not too late yet. But the world’s animals need urgent help.

“What a great project the New Big 5 is. I wonder what the final choices will be? There are so many incredible animals in our world, all fascinating in different ways. The animals chosen will reflect the participants’ characters as much as the qualities of the animal themselves.

Any project which brings attention to animals, so many of whom are threatened or endangered, is truly important. I hope this project highlights the need to protect the world’s animals.“

Dr Jane Goodall
(Founder, The Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace) 

Photos by:

Carole Deschuymere: caroledeschuymere.com

Ami Vitale: www.amivitale.com

Marina Cano: www.marinacano.com

Nelis Wolmarans: www.neliswolmarans.com

Graeme Green: www.graeme-green.com

Daisy Gilardini: www.daisygilardini.com

Sandesh Kadur: www.sandeshkadur.com

Suzi Eszterhas: www.suzieszterhas.com

Marsel van Oosten: www.squiver.com

Art Wolfe: artwolfe.com

Usha Harish: www.ushaharish.com

Jen Guyton: www.jenguyton.com

Greg du Toit: www.gregdutoit.com

Thomas D Mangelsen: mangelsen.com

Bertie Gregory: www.bertiegregory.com

Gurcharan Roopra: gurcharanroopra.com

Xi Zhinong: wildchina.cn

Anja Denker: www.instagram.com/wild.anjadenker/

Shannon Wild: shannonwild.photoshelter.com

Rodney Nombekana: www.instagram.com/nombekana/