This week, the team at Zoo Park Foz in Foz do Iguaçu received photos from photographer Joel Sartore of the Cuxiú-de-nariz-branco [White-nosed cuxiú] a species of monkey endemic to the Amazon and threatened with extinction.
The images will be published as part of the Photo Ark project by National Geographic, one of the world's leading magazines, renowned for its coverage of science, history, culture, wildlife, and the environment.
The photos were taken by Joel Sartore in 2025 during a technical visit by the Photo Ark project team to Zoo Park Foz. The photos will soon be featured in the publication.
The goal of the project is to document animals living in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries around the world, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. National Geographic is also internationally recognized for the quality of its photojournalism.
Vulnerable species
The white-nosed cuxiú living in the Primate Forest at Zoo Park Foz was added to the Photo Ark because it is classified as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The Red List is a classification system that assesses the risk of extinction for plant, fungus, and animal species. It is used as a guide for conservation, indicating which species require attention and action to prevent their extinction.
Currently, Zoo Park Foz is one of the few institutions in the country that is home to this species, which depends on human care and conservation efforts to prevent its extinction.
“Our team felt truly honored to welcome photographer Joel Sartore and, now, to receive the photos. Looking at these images, we understand the power of the idea that we protect what we know. Every gaze captured by Joel represents a life, a species, and a story that deserves to continue being told,” said Leandro Mautone, founding partner of Zoo Park Foz.
According to him, being part of this project is more than an honor. It is a commitment to animal welfare, education, science, and the creation of a modern zoo that exists, above all, to bring people closer to nature and contribute to its conservation.
Primates Forest
The Primate Forest is Brazil's only immersion sanctuary for primates. In addition to the white-nosed cuxiú, visitors can observe other species, such as brown howler monkeys, common woolly monkey, and marmosets.
Zoo Park Foz is located on Cataratas Highway, next to the Dreams Park Show Complex, less than 15 minutes from downtown Foz do Iguaçu. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photos: Joel Sartore
