EXCLUSIVE: In honor of their joining the National Geographic Photo Ark as the initiatives 17,000th milestone species, the birds-of-paradise – distinctly known for their mesmerizing colors across the rainbow, intricate mating rituals and their extravagant feathers – are set to be featured in the Thursday, July 10 episode of ABC’s “General Hospital,” with National Geographic Explorer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore returning to the series as himself to unveil photos of the species as part of a scene at the fictional Jerome Gallery.
“Birds-of-paradise are truly living works of art, with their stunning colors, alluring shapes and unique mating behaviors. Yet, their habitats are increasingly under threat from manmade and environmental pressures,” Sartore said in a statement. “We preserve works of art in museums around the world. Don’t these birds — and all of the species we’ve documented through the Photo Ark — deserve our protection too?”
The appearance on “General Hospital” brings into focus the vibrant family of birds that are facing threats to its habitat in Indo-Pacific rainforests, with the birds photographed during Sartore’s recent trip to the island of New Guinea which boasts one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests remaining on Earth, and is one of three tropical “megaforests” in addition to the Amazon and the Congo.
The mission of the National Geographic Photo Ark is to utilize the power of photography to inspire people to help protect species before it’s too late. Sartore aims to photograph approximately 25,000 species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries.
Christine Bartolucci/Disney
“We can all take collective action to support and preserve species and their habitats, both near and far. When we work to save one species, we can save them all — that’s the beauty, and sometimes peril, of the interconnectedness of wildlife biodiversity,” notes Sartore who will share scenes with several “General Hospital” actors during his appearance including Braedyn Bruner (Emma Scorpio-Drake), Kristina Wagner (Felicia Scorpio), Tabyana Ali (Trina Robinson), Brook Kerr (Portia Robinson) and Maura West (Ava Jerome), as well as his real-life wife, Kathy Sartore, among others.
Christine Bartolucci/Disney
The Sartores previously appeared in a November 2021 episode of the daytime drama series, and once again connects Joel to the Trina Robinson character, previously portrayed by Sydney Mikayla.
For more information about the Photo Ark and Sartore’s work, visit joelsartore.com.
