On the occasion of Earth Day and Jane Goodall’s birthday, Vital Impacts has created a collection of images for purchase, with proceeds going to initiatives that support youth environmental education.
Jane and Jou Jou. Brazzaville Zoo, Congo, 1990Late one afternoon as she was checking on the zoo chimps that her organization had been feeding, Jane Goodall approached the cage of a dangerous and aggressive male. Disarming him with a language learned from her years of research, she offered her golden hair for him to touch. It was a simple moment that came to represent so much.Michael Nichols / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
In 2025, PhotoVogue dedicated the Festival to exploring the relationship between humans and the ecosystems they inhabit. The aim was to create space for narratives that challenge the idea of humans as detached from nature, and instead propose a perspective in which humans are a species that is part of complex, fragile ecosystems.
Spirit Bear Barney.This is Barney. It was the first known sighting of this Spirit bear within the Great Bear Rainforest. The tide was low, he had climbed down a steep mountain to eat the barnacles off the rocky shoreline. He was as interested in us as we were of him.For over 38 years Michelle Valberg's, has chronicled significant moments that convey national and international impact – from portraits and landscapes to her conservation work documenting numerous wildlife species at risk. Known for her unique ability to create relatable images of unimaginable landscapes and wild creatures, Valberg finds art in all of nature’s most intimate moments. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2022 and won the wildlife gold medal at the World Photographic Cup in Rome.Follow Michelle on Instragram @michellevalbergphotography.MICHELLE VALBERG / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Ilulissat Icefjord, 2016Tiina Itkonen / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE formed a deep bond with La Vieille, an elderly chimpanzee who had survived years of hardship at the Pointe Noire Zoo in the Republic of the Congo. Jane advocated for her rescue, helped secure support for daily care, and later guided the creation of the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, where La Vieille could finally live in safety.Michael “Nick” Nichols captured this quiet, unforgettable moment between Le Vielle and Jane Goodall—a glimpse into the bond between a legendary scientist and the creatures she has devoted her life to. For Nichols, storytelling is epic in scale: his subjects range from lions and elephants to tigers and chimpanzees, but the human conservationists who dedicate themselves to these animals—Jane Goodall, J. Michael Fay, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Craig Packer—are just as central to his narrative. His long friendship with Goodall has given him unparalleled access to her world, allowing him to capture her brilliance, compassion, and tireless devotion to the chimpanzees of Gombe. Raised in the woods of Alabama, Nichols joined National Geographic in 1996 and became Editor-at-Large for Photography in 2008, transforming every assignment into a story that is as visually breathtaking as it is emotionally resonant.Michael Nick Nichols / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
The Stoat’s Game.That morning the stoat performed a series of jumps on the snow for a few minutes that it had not done the previous days. He seemed to be playing with the freshly fallen snow, making sudden jumps and crawling through the snow. Scientists have witnessed stoats (Mustela erminea) engaging in similar displays on many occasions, and they refer to the behavior as dancing, although their opinions are divided about what motivates the leaps and twists. Sometimes, the dances are performed in front of a rabbit or large bird in a seeming attempt to confuse or distract potential prey—a strategy that has proven effective in a number of documented interactions. At other times, as was the case in the display photographed, there is no prey animal in sight, and the dance seems simply to be an expression of exuberance. A third hypothesis is that the dances are actually an involuntary response to a parasitic infection, since stoats are known to be hosts for cranial parasitic worms.Jose Manuel has been a wildlife photographer for 25 years and specialises in birds. He’s also worked on several studies on the migration of birds, which have been published in magazines such Aedeola (Seo/Birdlife). Jose’s photos have received several awards, including awards in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best Photography. He’s a member of the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers and the Spanish Ornithological Society.Follow Jose on Instagram @jm_grandio.Jose Manuel Grandio / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Today, on Earth Day, the same date that what would have marked Jane Goodall’s 92nd birthday, we have the opportunity to reflect on this theme through the images of The Nature of Hope: The World Jane Goodall Inspired, a collection created by Vital Impacts featuring works by Nick Brandt, Frans Lanting, Cristina Mittermeier, Steve Winter, Ami Vitale, Jim Naughten, among others. For the occasion, it is also possible to purchase a selection of rare, hand-signed prints by Jane Goodall.
Dancing elements.Aerial photograph of Arctic river delta in autumn. Adventdalen Valley, Svalbard, Norway.Orsolya Haarberg / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
A World on the Edge.The Arctic is one of my happy places. It’s environment can be like another world. I had high hopes of encountering, photographing and filming polar bears, it is not however guaranteed you will see them, especially a polar bear on a glazier. Lucky for me and believe it or not, my dream came true.This photograph was my first polar bear encounter. I couldn’t believe it - timing, setting, light, positioning - it was all picture perfect with the added bonus of a waterfall! The toughest job was me - standing in a small zodiac with waves making it sway and changing weather conditions, it took a prayer, a breath, and a second. I am really happy with the result.Michael Haluwana is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning cinematographer, photographer, and videographer with over 17 years of industry experience. Michael's exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades from prestigious organisations such as the National Geographic, BBC, Virgin Galactic, Canon and Sony. Michael's career has been marked by collaboration with esteemed professionals on iconic projects both domestically and internationally. Notably, he has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough on BBC's Planet Earth Il and Planet Earth Ill, contributing to the stunning visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide.Follow Michael on Instagram @aeroture_aus.Michael Haluwana / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Blue-footed Booby.Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) in Galapagos, Ecuador. Tui De Roy is a world renown wildlife photographer and author based in the Galapagos Islands, but travelling widely under the moto "Images of wildlife and wilderness from our planet's most pristine, uninhabited regions”. With over 20 published books, her work has appeared in more than 40 countries.Follow De Roy on Instagram @tuigalapagos.Tui De Roy/Roving Tortoise Photos / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Horseback Rider Mongolia.A young horseback rider in Mongolia. Chiara Goia is a photographer whose work is spanning from documentary editorial to commercial, while always keeping focus on her personal work and artistic research.Follow Chiara on instagram @chiaragoia.Chiara Goia / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Badlands National ParkBadlands National Park spreads across 244,00 acres of land. While you can visit and enjoy animals such as bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep, I enjoyed how the park was chiseled with deep red layers of rocks that was caused by oxidized iron. As I looked out over the park after sunrise, to witness layers and layers of rocks that were topped off with a touch of red, with prairie land settled inside, I’m glad I took a few minutes to stop and let the spectacular view sink in. My name is Dawn D. Hester from Pace, Fl. I am a retired photographer; now shooting and enjoying the adventures along the way. I recently started a project on Tree Roots. Always been fascinated of roots and how they grow so far away from the tree in unique ways; lately became more interested in their purpose - not just for the tree itself but how important they are to animals and their survival. With climate change, in some areas it can become a major factor.Follow Dawn on Instagram @dawndhesterDAWN D. HESTER / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
All proceeds from the sale support the Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program and Vital Impacts Fellowships, which are dedicated to young people creating meaningful change for people, animals, and the environment.
In times like these, when it is easy to lose hope and give in to cynicism and eco-anxiety, Vital Impacts presents a series of images that remind us that fighting for our planet and creating change is possible—and that we can do so with joy.
Rajan Morning Walk.This is Rajan. A 66-year-old Asian elephant and he is the last of his kind. Brought to the Andaman Islands for logging in the 1950s, he and a small group of 10 elephants were brutally forced to learn how to swim in the ocean to bring the logged trees to nearby boats and then eventually swim on to the next island. When logging became banned in 2002, Rajan was out of a job. He lived out his days in harmony among the giant trees he used to haul in India's Andaman Archipelago. Rajan was the last of this group to survive until his death in 2016. This image is from the artist's series "The Last of His Kind”.An award-winning photographer, Jody MacDonald is no stranger to adventure and exploration in the last untamed corners of the planet. Follow Jody on Instagram @jodymacdonaldphoto.Jody MacDonald / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
A moment captured by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace.Says Dr. Goodall, "This photo is of Fifi’s first grandchild, Fax, son of daughter Fanny. It was taken in 1993." Dr. Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world.Jane Goodall / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Kings of the Kelp.King Penguins fly through a Kelp Forest.Capturing the image of king penguins swimming through the dense kelp forests in the remote sub-Antarctic territories was a thrilling challenge and an awe-inspiring experience. The journey to this remote location was fraught with difficulties, from navigating treacherous ocean currents to adapting to the unpredictable weather patterns typical of the sub-Antarctic. Despite these challenges, the sight of the king penguins elegantly navigating through the kelp was stunning. With the help of a rebreather I was able to observe them unobtrusively as they flew through the forest. These majestic birds, adapted perfectly to their environment, moved with a grace that belied their size.This photograph aims to highlight the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, showcasing the beauty of the king penguins in their natural habitat, while also underscoring the importance of preserving these unique underwater forests. The image captures a moment of pure, unguarded wildlife behavior, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in one of the planet's most extreme environments. I hope this image inspires awe and a deeper appreciation for the need to protect these incredible ecosystems against the looming threats of climate change and human interference.Kimberly Jeffries is an underwater cinematographer and photographer based in Hawai’i, known for her work in marine conservation and diving. Her work focuses on protecting the ocean’s fragile ecosystem and uplifting the female voice. Kimberly’s passion for marine conservation and environmental advocacy is reflected in her work, which has been featured in numerous documentaries, films and publications. She has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Netflix.Follow Kimberly on Instagram @kimberlyswimberly.Kimberly Jeffries / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Minearl Matter IIIMineral Matter explores the interplay between Iceland’s dynamic river deltas and traces of mankind’s curiosity.Volcanic ash, sediment and colorful minerals are collected and moved by the powerful travels of glacier water, while recent human relics such as vehicle tracks and footsteps weave in and out of frame. From above, painterly interfolds of watery texture and vibrant spattering sediment create graphic compositions only visible from the sky.BROOKE HOLM 2017, BROOKE HOLM 2014 / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
In the pale light of a Canadian winter morning, a Snowy Owl lifts into the Arctic air. Broad wings and dense plumage carry it in near silence — a quiet embodiment of resilience and the stark beauty of the North.Arnfinn Johansen
Orphan Chimps, Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Congo, 1995Caretaker Ludovic Rabasa doubles as a surrogate parent to more than fifty orphan chimpanzees. Every day he plays with these infants, trying to foster social skills normally provided in the wild by the animals’ families. These chimpanzees can live to be over fifty years old. They cannot be safely released into areas with humans or wild chimps.Michael Nichols / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.
Fluctus #33Fluctus is a project that aims to show biodiversity in a unique way by focusing on the very first wingbeats of birds seen from above. This perspective helps highlight the richness, beauty, and variety of the common birds that live around us, species we often overlook. For me, the project is also a way of drawing attention to the importance of keeping these bird populations healthy.To make these images, I have spent many days in the field with ornithologists during bird-ringing campaigns. Their work is essential because it helps monitor the state of bird populations and provides the scientific data needed to warn the public and governments when action is necessary. Thanks to their knowledge and collaboration, I have been able to film these birds in the field by building a temporary studio at the moment of their release.What keeps me hopeful is exactly this connection between science, care, and wonder. Seeing these small, everyday birds so closely reminds me that nature’s diversity is still all around us, and that paying attention is the first step toward protecting it.Xavi Bou / Courtesy of Vital Impacts.