My wife, Nicole, and my son, Ethan, who encourage me to remain curious.
Geoff Blackwell and Ruth Hobday, who plant seeds and nurture projects to fruition.
Producer
Alex Vlack, who has worked tirelessly throughout the process of making this book. He is the captain of our team and was responsible for all aspects of the production. I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for his dedication and the rigor he brings to the work. Moreover, I am a huge fan of his writing and am so pleased that he contributed the epilogue to this volume.
Designer
David Meredith, who is the driving force behind the design of Bird, Wisdom, and Creature. I have learned an enormous amount from the time we have worked together. His approach to projects is always rooted in concept, ensuring a cohesive and solidified final product. David’s ability to objectively and systematically engage with images defines the highest potential in graphic design: He narrates the story.
Production
Nick Lee, who works side by side with me to create the photographs. I hold him in the highest regard and am consistently amazed by his ability to perform calmly in the most tense situations. I have been blessed with his fantastic support and am indebted to him.
Retoucher
Justin Cohen and I have worked on four books among countless other collaborations. Each project presents new challenges, and Justin’s work as a retoucher goes beyond image manipulation. The consistency in ethic and application makes him unique, and I am deeply grateful for our ten years of collaboration.
Cinematographer
Damani Baker, who captured our experiences making the work in addition to the subjects’ movements for the films associated with this project. Not only is he a fantastic cinematographer, he is an incredibly positive force who inspires the team.
His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Al Thani, who is an extraordinary supporter of the arts and animal conservation. I am deeply grateful to the Sheikh for his support and the opportunities he has granted me. Thank you also to Ahmad Al-Razem and Susanna Cucco, who were instrumental in our project.
Massimo and Lella Vignelli, who have had a profound impact on the work. I met them as subjects in my last book, Wisdom, and was delighted when they agreed to be involved in Bird. I am deeply grateful for Massimo’s introduction and for the inspiration and support they have given to my work.
Thank you to the associates and partners of the studio who make working together a pleasure.
Erika Monje
Casey Brooks
Peter Chang
David Bruce Wolf
Marshall Sollander
Bryan Besser
Elia Infascelli Smith
Jon Rubinstein
Joan Batchelder
Maya Brewster
Molly Logan
Veronica Madrigal
This book could not have been created without the collaboration of the National Aviary, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Al-Wabra Wildlife Preservation. Thank you to Erin Estell, Steve Sarro, Dr. Hammer, and Ryan Watson.
Thank you to Paul Sweet from the American Museum of Natural History for contributing the index to this book.
Thank you to the family, friends, and colleagues who inspire and support the work.
Susan and Alan Zuckerman
Jason, Anna, and Abigail Zuckerman
Fred, Jennifer, Max, and Charlie Grant
Sharon, Joshua, Zachary, and Jacob Weinberg
Juliet, Stephen, and Ari Bergen
Michelle Bergen
Olivia, Sofia, and Chloe Shapiro
Julia Von Eichel, Felix Vlack, Cecily Vlack
Malvina Baker
Val Caviness
Sandy Kavalier
Chris and Amy Astley
Jonathon Genkin
Damon Brandt and Nancy Boas
Graham, Susan, Jackson, Will, and Nile Nash
Ellen DeGeneres
David Leven and Stella Betts
Waris Ahluwalia and Chiara Clemente
William and Steven Ladd