The ‘Big 5’ is an old term used by trophy hunters in Africa for the five most prized and dangerous animals to shoot and kill: elephant, rhino, leopard, Cape buffalo and lion.
The New Big 5 project has a better idea: to create a New Big 5 of Wildlife Photography, rather than hunting. Shooting with a camera, not a gun.
More than 250 of the world’s wildlife photographers, conservationists and wildlife charities have come together to support this international initiative, including Jane Goodall, Pavan Sukhdev (WWF), Kaddu Sebunya (AWF), Save The Elephants, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Conservation International, Ewaso Lions, Polar Bears International, Wildlife Direct, IFAW, Orangutan Foundation, Save The Rhino International, WildAid, IUCN, Wildlife Trust Of India, Save Pangolins, and more.
“We now have the results of the New Big 5 project. These 5 animals - elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers and lions - are such beautiful and remarkable species, and are wonderful ambassadors for the world’s wildlife, from iconic species to little-known frogs, lizards, fish and birds. So many face threats to their survival from issues such as poaching, habitat loss and climate change. A million species are at risk of extinction. If we work together, we can stop this happening. There is always hope. Change is possible if we each play our part.”
- Dr Jane Goodall (Founder, The Jane Goodall Institute)
Diversity on race and gender were a key part of the project, with more than 120 renowned, global, male and female supporting photographers from Kenya, Japan, Peru, USA, Lebanon, France, India, Rwanda, UK, Australia…, including Marsel van Oosten, Ami Vitale, Paul Nicklen, Gurcharan Roopra, Daisy Gilardini, Brent Stirton, Art Wolfe, Usha Harish, Marina Cano, Steve Winter, Suzi Eszterhas, Clement Kiragu, Joel Sartore, Xi Zhinong, Thomas Mangelsen, Jasper Doest, Rathika Ramasamy, Jo-Anne McArthur, Shogo Asao, David Lloyd and Melissa Groo, as well as actors, musicians and famous wildlife supporters, including Djimon Hounsou, Chris Packham, Eugenio Derbez, Levison Wood, Carla Morrison and Joanna Lumley.
Created by British photographer Graeme Green, the project’s aim is to raise awareness about the crisis facing the world’s wildlife from threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, illegal wildlife trade and climate change.
Since launching in April 2020, the New Big 5 website (www.newbig5.com) has received more than 50,000 votes from wildlife lovers around the world for their favourite animals to photograph and see in photos, to be included.
The results of the year-long global vote for the 5 animals in the New Big 5 of Wildlife Photography are:
ELEPHANT · POLAR BEAR · GORILLA · TIGER · LION
“We’re currently experiencing the worst spate of species die-offs since the loss of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But unlike those past mass extinctions, the current crisis is almost entirely caused by us: humans. The New Big 5 consists of elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers and lions - some of the most iconic animals on our planet. They’re a stark reminder of what’s at stake if we don’t change our ways. That’s how I will look at each of them, as beautiful representatives of the many thousands of other, often lesser-known species who desperately need our help.”
- Marsel van Oosten (photographer)
Each of the 5 species in the New Big 5 face severe threats to their existence and are listed by the IUCN either as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable,
One million species currently face the threat of extinction. The animals in the New Big 5 can serve as global ambassadors for all the world’s wildlife and the crisis they face.
All 5 animals are keystone species, essential to the balance of nature in their habitats, biodiverse ecosystems and the survival of other species. Each species is vital to the health of the planet and to our future.
“The 5 animals that wildlife lovers around the world have voted to include in the New Big 5 of Wildlife Photography - elephants, gorillas, tigers, lions and polar bears - are not just some of the most beautiful, incredible animals on the planet. All 5 also face serious threats to their existence. The New Big 5 are the tip of the iceberg. They stand for all the creatures on the planet, so many of which are in danger. From bees to blue whales, all wildlife is essential to the balance of nature, to healthy ecosystems and to the future of our planet.”
- Graeme Green (photographer / Founder, New Big 5 project)
The New Big 5 also offers a new Bucket List for travellers, wildlife lovers and photographers to experience in their lifetime. Tourism funds much of the world’s vital conservation work. The New Big 5 encourages travellers to visit the places where these five animals live, support conservation efforts, and learn about all the wildlife there and the threats they face.
Learn more at the New Big 5 website (www.newbig5.com), and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/newbig5project/.