As we honor Earth Day 2025, COOPH is proud to highlight five photographers whose powerful images have made a lasting impact on conservation efforts around the world. From exposing environmental injustices to sparking policy changes, these photos exemplify the power of visual storytelling in protecting our planet.
Beverly Joubert – Rhino Capture
- Instagram: @beverlyjoubert
- Websites: Beverly Joubert | Great Plains Foundation
Beverly’s unforgettable image from the Rhinos Without Borders project highlights the delicate process of relocating rhinos from poaching hotspots to safer habitats. Co-founder of the Great Plains Foundation, Beverly has dedicated her life to big cat and rhino conservation. This image reflects a broader effort that has successfully relocated 87 rhinos and inspired global conservation action.
Joan de la Malla – The Sad Clown
- Instagram: @joandelamalla
- Websites: joandelamalla.com
Joan’s haunting image of a chained macaque wearing a doll’s mask in Indonesia became pivotal in animal rights advocacy. Used in meetings with politicians and public campaigns, this photo and its accompanying series helped catalyze policy change around using primates in street performances.
Jo-Anne McArthur – Hope in a Burned Plantation
- Instagram: @joannemcarthurphotography
- Websites: joannemcarthur.com | We Animals Media
This moving image, showing a kangaroo amidst a scorched eucalyptus grove, was taken after the devastating Australian bushfires. Jo-Anne captures a rare moment of resilience in a damaged ecosystem, evoking a sense of hope and renewal in the face of climate catastrophe.
Steve Winter – Cougar in Hollywood
- Instagram: @stevewinterphoto
- Websites: stevewinterphoto.com
Steve’s iconic photo of mountain lion P-22 near the Hollywood sign brought global attention to the plight of urban wildlife. This striking juxtaposition of wilderness and city life became a symbol of coexistence and the urgent need for wildlife corridors in metropolitan areas.
Alejandro Prieto – Border Wall
- Instagram: @alejandroprietophoto
- Websites: alejandroprietophotography.com
Alejandro’s award-winning photo of a jaguar stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border wall powerfully visualizes the impact of political decisions on wildlife migration. His work has sparked international dialogue on the environmental consequences of man-made barriers.
COOPH thanks these photographers for their dedication to protecting our planet. This Earth Day, we’re reminded of photographers' vital role in shaping a more just, sustainable, and compassionate future for all living beings.
This article was created in collaboration with the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), whose work in ethical visual storytelling continues to inspire conservation efforts worldwide.
