Endangered animals are projected on Empire State Building

Images of endangered animals were crawling and swimming across the Empire State Building. It was all part of the first light show of its kind in ESB history. Awesome display!  It’s also a timely reminder of the impact and devastation caused by incidents like the hunting of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe.

Firstly, I’ll show you some gifs and photos. Secondly, I’ll explain how they did it. Finally, you’ll learn why they did this ambitious project. Here we go!

Empire State Tribute To Endangered Animals

How’d they do it?

They used 40 light cannons projecting images of wildlife upon the Empire State Building. After that, design firm Obscura Digital put it together for $1 million.

Who put it together?

The Oceanic Preservation Society organized it. They teamed up with the filmmakers of the new documentary, Racing Extinction. To clarify, it’s a documentary about humans’ impact on threatened species.  Louie Psihoyos was also the director of The Cove.

Scale and stats – by the numbers

160 species were featured, including Cecil the lion that was killed by a tourist hunter.

I couldn’t hear most of the Racing Extinction music because of where I was set up.

Photos of animals on the Empire State Building:

You’ll notice some of the 160 species that were featured on the  Empire State Building skyscraper. For example, here are some in group shots:

This was the first of its kind; the Empire State Building is typically lit up with colors for weekly occasions and even light shows.

For example, click the below thumbnail for a full-size image:

And, here’s another video:

In conclusion, it was both an impressive display. Above all, I think it makes a powerful statement. I hope they do it again!

Most of these were my photography, besides a few from mariacelestearraras and empirestatebldg. In addition, check out NBC, Daily Mail, Gothamist for more great pics.