National Geographic’s Joel Sartore has achieved another milestone for the National Geographic Photo Ark project by photographing the 14,000th species, an Indochinese green magpie (Cissa hypoleuca), at the Los Angeles Zoo. Sartore has documented over half of his goal of more than 20,000 species living in human care. The Photo Ark will serve as a record of each animal’s existence and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts.

The Indochinese green magpie, a small and vibrantly colored bird, faces a decline in its Southeast Asian and adjacent Chinese populations due to illegal pet trade. Jolie, the bird photographed by Sartore, was one among the 93 Asian songbirds found in a smuggler’s suitcase at the Los Angeles International Airport in 2017. Out of the eight birds that survived, Jolie currently resides at the Los Angeles Zoo. She serves as an ambassador for her species, raising awareness about the cruel realities of wildlife trafficking.

Denise M. Verret, CEO & Zoo Director, Los Angeles Zoo, said,

“I am thrilled that the National Geographic Society and Joel Sartore are shedding an important light on the collaborative efforts of the L.A. Zoo in combating the illegal wildlife trade. Jolie’s story is an important one as it spotlights the harrowing and heart-breaking environment wild animals experience as they’re illegally trafficked around the world. It is an honor for Jolie to be the 14,000th species aboard the Photo Ark, and Joel’s beautiful imagery will help connect more people to this species and understand the nefarious world of the illegal wildlife trade.”

Now, as part of the Photo Ark, Jolie’s story can reach an even wider audience, shed light on the multiple threats facing wildlife and their habitats, and inspire people to take action.

“The Photo Ark gives animals the chance to be seen and have their stories told while there’s still time to save them and their habitats. I hope that people will see Jolie, hear her story of resilience, and be motivated to learn about the many threats that wildlife face today. Then, I hope they’ll be inspired to take action, because there is no better time than right now.”

The United States Postal Service has recently released a collection of stamps featuring images from the Photo Ark to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. These stamps showcase portraits of 20 endangered species inhabiting the 50 states, U.S. territories and possessions, or in close proximity to U.S. borders. You can order the Endangered Species Stamps at usps.com.

Visit NatGeo.org/Photo-Ark to learn more about the National Geographic Photo Ark, conservation, and protecting species.