Since 2006, National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore has been traveling the globe in a bid to document as many species as humanly possible. Now, he has approached a number that once seemed unthinkable—17,000 species lovingly coaxed into posing for his camera. Usually, Sartore and his team select one species to highlight at each milestone, but with birds-of-paradise, he says, “it was just impossible for us to choose.” There are about 40 species in the birds-of-paradise family, and all are native to either Papua New Guinea, its surrounding islands, or Australia. Learn more about them at the link in bio. #PhotoArk Photos and videos by joelsartore

Dementia ravages the brains of some 55 million people worldwide, but some sufferers are reaping the benefits of an unexpected therapy: music. "Memory choirs" are using song to unlock the minds of patients with dementia. Now, researchers see an opportunity to turn music into treatment. Learn more about how music can uncage memories at the link in bio. Illustration by Alanah Sarginson

Photo by beverlyjoubert | Photographing elephants is always captivating. It's not just their size or presence. It's how they move through the world: aware, expressive, and deeply connected to one another. This playful moment in Kenya's Maasai Mara offers a glimpse into the intricate bonds that define elephant society. Beyond the jostling and trunk tangles, these mixed-age youngsters are learning what it means to be part of something larger than themselves. Elephants are among the most social animals on Earth, and life in the herd calls for more than instinct; it requires memory, emotional awareness, and constant learning. New research shows that from birth to adulthood, elephant brains nearly triple in size—and that expansion is driven by the demands of living in such a richly social environment. Calves grow up immersed in a network of relationships, shaped by the guidance of matriarchs and the transfer of knowledge across generations. Every interaction—playful or purposeful—helps them navigate a life built on memory, cooperation, and connection.

Want to know what a shark eats? Look at the shape of their teeth. #SharksUpClose with bertiegregory, part of Sharkfest, is now streaming on DisneyPlus and hulu.

Move over Mediterranean diet, the Okinawan diet has entered the chat. High in nutrients and antioxidants and with a unique portioning system, the traditional Okinawan diet isn't just healthy for humans—it's good for the planet. Mounting research suggests there’s a lot we can learn about living a long life from Okinawa, which is one of the geographic regions around the world with the highest concentration of people who live to age 100 or older, known as "Blue Zones.” Learn more about the benefits of Okinawan cuisine at the link in bio. Photograph by alexgandolfiphoto

Trying to stay forever young? It’s a popular goal. Though aging is often portrayed as a problem to fix, it’s more modifiable than you might think. New data suggests old age is more of a social construct than an objective biological reality. Read more about the science and history of aging at the link in bio. Photograph by norikohayashi_photo

bertiegregory went looking for great white sharks, but you won't believe the incredible marine life he encountered along the way. 🌊 #SharksUpClose with Bertie Gregory, part of #SharkFest, is now streaming on DisneyPlus and hulu.

They're young and they're tiny, but these baby alligators are already right at home in the water. #InsideTheEnchantedForests is now streaming on DisneyPlus and hulu.

Prior to its demolition in 1994, Kowloon Walled City was home to an estimated 60,000 people living in stacked, self-built structures within a 6.4-acre area of Hong Kong that was lawless and largely forgotten by officials. What began as a Chinese military outpost became a shield against British influence in the region. Over the years, it evolved into a densely populated, ungoverned enclave known as the "city of darkness." Widely considered a hotspot for gambling, criminal activity, and poverty, it was also home to many, with a strong sense of community developing among the residents. Take a look inside Kowloon Walled City and learn more about its history at the link in bio. Photographs by Greg Girard (gregforaday) and Jodi Cobb (jodicobbphoto)