This website exists to be a repository of image references for accurately identified animal species. In recent years, major image repositories like Arkive have gone offline, and generative AI has polluted the utility and accuracy of search engine results. 

This site is the result of a decade of travel and photography at zoos, sanctuaries, and other facilities holding wild and exotic animal collections in North America. All animal identification to species and subspecies level is as accurate as possible and based on facility signage.

As these images are presented for reference purposes, some are blurry or have distortions from glass/fencing visible. These were included intentionally: the reference material is still valuable even if the photography isn’t perfect.

While these images were uploaded with art reference in mind, they can also be valuable for education, scientific presentations, media outreach, or other purposes. Just ask for permission to use them!