Saving big cats: Storytelling duo Steve Winter & Sharon Guynup publish new book

For over two decades, National Geographic photographer Steve Winter and environmental journalist Sharon Guynup have ventured into Earth's most remote and perilous habitats to document the lives of big cats. Their journeys have taken them from the dense jungles of India and Brazil to the lofty Himalayas, as well as the forested regions of Southeast Asia, the African savanna, and even the urban wildernesses of Los Angeles.

Through their lens, they have shed light on the world's big cats and the complex relationship between humans and these magnificent creatures. Steve Winter's iconic photographs of tigers, jaguars, snow leopards, cougars, and lions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.

His innovative use of remote camera traps has enabled him to capture intimate and previously unseen moments of these elusive animals. Sharon Guynup, a highly regarded environmental journalist and the current global wildlife editor at Mongabay, has also made significant contributions to the field. Her investigative reporting on big cat conservation, wildlife trafficking, wildlife corridors, and the looming threat of zoonotic diseases has brought critical attention to these issues.

The dynamic duo, who have been partners in both life and work for 37 years (marrying just last year), have produced groundbreaking investigations that have led to tangible change. One notable example is their exposé on captive tigers in the United States, which, featuring Steve's powerful images and Sharon's compelling prose, laid bare the shocking realities of abuse and wildlife trafficking. Their efforts played a crucial role in prompting legislative action to address this pressing issue.