National Geographic: 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs

November 6, 2021 - April 24, 2022

JOEL SARTORE Aerial of gray wolves (Canis lupus) of the Malberg Pack near Ely, Minnesota.

Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in the waters off Oahu, Hawaii. These dolphins forage at night in the deep water offshore, then come into shallow bays in the early morning to socialize and rest. This species of dolphin is known for their spinning behavior, where they leap out of the water, spinning and turning. Although researchers are not certain why they do this, a leading theory is to dislodge remoras and for communication.

CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER A cassowary peers through foliage in northeast Queensland, Australia.

Museum visitors will witness some of the most surprising animal behavior in the new National Geographic exhibition, National Geographic: 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs. The very best wildlife pictures from the pages of National Geographic magazine have been chosen to be displayed in this exhibition. Curated by renowned nature picture editor, Kathy Moran, this exhibition is a celebratory look at wildlife with images taken by National Geographic’s most iconic photographers such as, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Steve Winter, Paul Nicklen, Beverly Joubert, David Doubilet and more. Showcasing the evolution of photography, the images convey how innovations such as camera traps, remote imaging, and underwater technology have granted photographers access to wildlife in their natural habitat. National Geographic: 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs will remain open at the National Museum of Wildlife Art until April 24, 2022.

For 130 years National Geographic has utilized its storytelling expertise to connect its readers to the great outdoors. The organization has pioneered the art of wildlife photography ever since the first image to appear in National Geographic magazine of a reindeer in 1903. The start of the exhibition displays such humble beginnings of wildlife photography and details how these photographers paved the way for future generations of visual storytellers.

A distinctive element of the exhibition is that each photograph on display was taken in a natural environment. None of the images were taken in permanent captivity or through the use of baiting techniques. After viewing these spectacular photographs, visitors will be compelled to take action to protect these animals and join National Geographic in its endeavor to achieve a planet in balance

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.

BRIAN SKERRY. Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in the waters off Oahu, Hawaii. These dolphins forage at night in the deep water offshore, then come into shallow bays in the early morning to socialize and rest. This species of dolphin is known for their spinning behavior, where they leap out of the water, spinning and turning. Although researchers are not certain why they do this, a leading theory is to dislodge remoras and for communication.

PAUL NICKLEN. A Kermode bear eats a fish in a moss-draped rain forest.

RANDY OLSON. These are the grassland birds of the great plains. Migrate from Siberia to Northern Mexico but have their main migratory path north-south over the high plains aquifer, constrained by the Rocky Mountains in the same way as the aquifer. Sand Hill Cranes on Crane Trust property and on farmland in the area. 500,000 come through there and the migration is kind of like an hourglass. The migration fans out and then hits the choke point of the hourglass at Kearney on the Platte River and then the migration fans out again when they leave.

JOEL SARTORE. Aerial of gray wolves (Canis lupus) of the Malberg Pack near Malberg Lake in th e Wilderness area near Ely, Minnesota.

CHRIS JOHNS. A giraffe walking in a misty forest in the Ndumu Game Reserve.

Other Exhibits

State of the Art: Student Art Show in Honor of Marion Buchenroth

Through June 4, 2023

This youth art exhibit is an annual collaboration between the National Museum of Wildlife Art and art educators from Teton County schools. The several hundred works of art on display beautifully demonstrate how students grow as artists as they move through grades K-12. Each art educator and group of students interpreted the theme Transformation in their own way.

See the Exhibit

For the Love of Canines

Through August 27, 2023

For the Love of Canines questions humans’ relation and fascination with canines, whether love or loathing, through works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection.

See the Exhibit

What People Are Saying

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" I have visited museums around the world and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was far more than I was expecting. What a treat! Don't miss it!"

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"No trip to Jackson is complete without a visit to this Museum! It contains many current and historical wildlife paintings and overlooks the Elk Refuge. We go every time we visit."

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"The most pleasant surprise was the restaurant Palate - the manager ran it like a fine restaurant! What a view! And the food was excellent - probably one of the best meals we had in Jackson!"

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