‘The New Big 5’: Wildlife photography book turns the lens on animals at risk | CNN

A new generation of wildlife enthusiasts is being called upon to join a global movement to protect endangered animals, as a groundbreaking photography book featuring some of the most iconic species at risk sets out to raise awareness and inspire action.

The "New Big 5" - a term coined by British photographer Graeme Green to replace the outdated "Big Five", which was once used to describe the five most challenging animals to hunt in Africa - comprises five majestic creatures that are on the brink of extinction due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching and climate change.

According to UN data, nature is declining at an unprecedented rate, with one million animal and plant species facing extinction. The "New Big 5" serves as a stark reminder of what's happening in the natural world and also points towards potential solutions.

The book features stunning photographs taken by some of the world's most renowned wildlife photographers, including Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen, alongside essays from famous conservationists such as Jane Goodall and Paula Kahumbu. The collection showcases the plight of animals like elephants, polar bears, lions, gorillas, and tigers, who are on the edge of disappearing forever.

Green says that the book is a "global call to action" aimed at inspiring people to take responsibility for their actions and work towards preserving wildlife and the natural world. He believes that these images will not only highlight the beauty of endangered species but also raise awareness about the urgent need to protect them from extinction.

The "New Big 5: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is published by Earth Aware Editions, in partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative and CNN. The book has already been praised for its beautiful images and thought-provoking essays, which serve as a wake-up call to all of us to join forces in safeguarding our planet's precious wildlife.

In the words of Jane Goodall, who wrote the afterword for the book: "We have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we've inflicted on the natural world... If we get together and take action now, perhaps we can create a world where wildlife can flourish for future generations to enjoy."

I'm so down with this movement! I mean, have you seen those pictures? They're breathtaking, right? The "New Big 5" is like, we gotta do something about these amazing creatures disappearing before our eyes. It's crazy that one million species are at risk of extinction. That's just wild, man!

I remember when I was a kid, we used to have these wildlife documentaries on TV and it was always so inspiring to see those majestic animals roaming free. Now, it's like we're losing them left and right. It's heartbreaking.

But I guess that's what this book is trying to do – raise awareness and inspire action. And if it can get people thinking about the impact of their daily choices on the environment, then it's worth it. I mean, who doesn't love a good Earth-friendly product?

I'm all for it! We gotta take responsibility for our actions and make some noise about this. I've already ordered that book and I'm gonna share it with everyone I know. Let's do this!

I'm so done with these "New Big 5" lists already. Like what's next? The "New New Big 5"? Can't they just come up with something new instead of rehashing old stuff? And honestly, I don't see how a bunch of pictures and essays are gonna make that big of a difference. We've been hearing about the same old problems for years and it's still not getting any better. What's needed is some real action and concrete steps being taken by governments and corporations to protect these animals. Just showing us pretty pics ain't gonna cut it.

I think it's just another bandwagon jumping thingy. People only care about endangered animals when they're in a book or have a fancy photographer attached. I mean, what's the real plan here? Are people gonna actually start taking action and changing their lifestyle to help wildlife? Or is it just about buying some feel-good book and thinking that's enough?

I'm literally shook by this news! Can you believe that we're losing one million species in an UNPRECEDENTED rate?! It's like, what are we even doing?! We need a collective wake-up call and I think this book is it! The photography is stunning, don't get me wrong, but it's not just about the pictures, it's about the message. The "New Big 5" is more than just a list of animals, it's a reminder that we have the power to save them.

I'm so tired of hearing about extinction and climate change, but this book feels different. It feels like a call to action, not just a bunch of sad news. I mean, Jane Goodall is right, we do have a window of time to make things right! We can start to heal the harm we've done to the planet if we work together.

I'm so inspired by this project and I know I want to be part of it! We need more people like Graeme Green who are willing to use their platform to raise awareness and inspire change. This book is a must-read, trust me, it's not just for wildlife enthusiasts, it's for anyone who cares about the future of our planet!

I'm totally in agreement with Jane Goodall . We need to act fast to protect our planet's precious wildlife! I mean, have you seen those pics? Elephants, polar bears, lions... they're like, literally on the brink of extinction . It's heartbreaking. But at the same time, it's also super inspiring to see all these amazing photographers and conservationists coming together to raise awareness about this issue . I'm def gonna check out that book ASAP!

I'm really inspired by this new photography book . It's like they're showing us what's at stake if we don't take care of our planet, you know? These images are breathtakingly beautiful and also kinda heartbreaking at the same time . I mean, have you seen a polar bear in the wild or an elephant roaming free? They're just so majestic . But yeah, it's a stark reminder that we need to step up our game when it comes to conservation. We can't just sit back and expect these incredible creatures to survive on their own . I love how the book is bringing together all these amazing photographers and conservationists to spread a message of hope . It's not too late, you know? We can still make a difference if we work together .

I mean, think about it... these majestic creatures, they're not just animals, they're a part of our planet's story. We've been taking them for granted, exploiting their habitats, and now they're paying the price. It's like we're staring into the abyss and realizing that our actions have consequences. The "New Big 5" is more than just a list of endangered species; it's a reminder of our responsibility as humans to be guardians of this planet.

I wonder, what does it say about us that we need a book to remind us of our actions? Have we become so disconnected from nature that we need pictures to tell us how fragile our world is? It's like the book is holding up a mirror to our conscience. The messages I'm getting from these images are not just about saving wildlife, but also about ourselves and our place in the world.

It's interesting to see famous conservationists like Jane Goodall involved in this project. They're not just fighting for the animals; they're fighting for us too. We need people who care deeply about the planet to lead the way. I think that's what this book is all about – inspiring us to take action, not just for the sake of wildlife, but also for our own future.

I'm curious... what will it take for us to make a real difference? Is it just about spreading awareness, or do we need more than that?

Can you even believe what's happening to our planet?? One million species are facing extinction and it's like, totally not something we're taking seriously enough . I mean, I know we've been warning about climate change and habitat destruction for years but still, it feels like the world is just shrugging off this whole crisis . What's wrong with us?! We're all just sitting around watching our planet burn while those incredible animals are struggling to survive . And it's not like it's gonna be easy either - I mean, I've seen those pictures of the elephants and polar bears... it's heartbreaking . We need to wake up and take responsibility for our actions NOW! We can't just keep living our lives like everything is fine when in fact, it's NOT . We have to start making some changes, big time . It's not too late yet... but we're running out of time . Let's get on board with this movement and save those animals before it's too late

man i'm just seeing this news and it's like woah one million animal species are gonna go extinct and these 'new big 5' animals are literally on the brink of disappearing forever like elephants & polar bears & lions & gorillas & tigers they're all struggling due to habitat destruction & poaching & climate change it's so sad that we need a photography book to raise awareness but i guess it's better than nothing at least this project is trying to get people to take action tho & think about the future of our planet but honestly it feels like too little too late

I dont think this photography book is gonna make a difference . I mean, we all know how hard it is to change people's behavior and get them to care about the environment. It's just gonna be another pretty picture that gets lost in everyone's feeds . And let's be real, if people really cared, they would've taken action by now . We need concrete solutions, not just a feel-good book. The fact that we're publishing it with Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative just feels like a marketing stunt to me . What about actual policies and regulations to protect these animals? That's what we really need, not just some awareness-raising campaign

I'm totally stoked about this new book, it's like, whoa! The concept of the "New Big 5" is genius, it's a fresh take on the old 'Big Five' and really drives home the gravity of our situation. I mean, have you seen some of those pics? Ami Vitale's shots are straight up breathtaking, and Steve McCurry's work never fails to move me. But what I think is most compelling is the message behind it all - we need to take responsibility for our actions and work towards preserving wildlife and the natural world. It's not just about saving these iconic species, it's about the future of our planet as a whole. The timing couldn't be more crucial, with UN data showing that nature is declining at an unprecedented rate. We need more voices like Graeme Green's, inspiring people to take action and make a difference.

I gotta say, this whole "New Big 5" thing sounds like just another buzzword to me. What's the real harm here? Where's the data to back up the claim that nature is declining at an unprecedented rate? One million species facing extinction? That number's gonna sound familiar when it comes from some environmental group trying to push a agenda.

And what's with the "global call to action" vibe? Is this just another way for people to feel good about themselves while doing nothing concrete? Where are the concrete steps being taken to address these issues? The book's just gonna collect some pretty pictures and essays, but that doesn't solve anything.

this is getting out of hand, one million species facing extinction is just insane how many more do we need to see disappear before people wake up and do something about it? we're not even living in harmony with nature anymore, we're just taking and taking without giving back

I'm so down for this initiative . I mean, it's crazy that one million animal species are facing extinction and people still don't realize the impact of their daily choices on the environment. It's not just about saving the animals, though - we need to think about our own future too. I love how Graeme Green is using his platform to raise awareness and inspire action . The fact that this book has already gotten praise for its stunning images and thought-provoking essays is a win in itself. But what's most important is that people actually take responsibility for their actions and start making changes . I'm hoping this project will be the catalyst we need to make some real difference . What do you guys think?

I'm totally stoked about this new book, it's like, so inspiring ! We need more people to care about our planet and its creatures . I mean, have you seen the pics in this book? Wow, they're breathtaking ! And Jane Goodall is speaking truth . We gotta take responsibility for our actions and protect wildlife . It's not too late to make a change , we can do it if we work together . I'm all about this "New Big 5" , let's spread awareness and save these amazing animals !

I'm seeing a lot of young people getting into wildlife conservation lately and I think it's awesome . They're growing up with the knowledge of what's happening to our planet and they're taking action. It's about time we had a new generation on board for this fight. The term "New Big 5" is also really interesting - I love how Graeme Green is trying to refresh the conversation around conservation. One million species facing extinction is just crazy... it's like, what's next? We need more voices and more action if we're gonna save these animals .

I mean, great, just what we all needed - another reason to feel terrible about ourselves . Like, who doesn't already know that the planet is in shambles and animals are dying off left and right? But hey, at least there's a pretty book with some cool photos to look at while we're all sitting around feeling guilty . I mean, seriously though, have you seen the stats on extinction rates? One million species going extinct in 2025? That's like, a whole lot of bees and butterflies that won't be buzzing around anymore . Can't say I'm exactly inspired to take action just yet... but hey, maybe this book will do the trick .

this is what's gonna happen when we keep playing with nature's fire . all this talk about the "New Big 5" and saving wildlife sounds great, but until people actually put their money where their mouth is, we're just talking . i mean, 1 million species facing extinction? that's not a call to action, that's a wake-up call . let's stop pretending and start doing something about it

I'm so worried about our planet's wildlife . I mean, have you seen those photos of elephants and polar bears struggling to survive? It breaks my heart . We need more people like Graeme Green who are using their talents to raise awareness about these issues . And I love that Jane Goodall is part of this project - she's a true legend in the conservation world . The thing is, we all have a role to play in protecting our planet's wildlife . It's not just about taking pictures or writing essays - it's about making conscious choices in our daily lives to reduce our impact on the environment . We need to take responsibility for our actions and work together to create a better future for all living things .