Bob Poole grew up in East Africa, where his father was the director of the Peace Corps, and later the director of the African Wildlife Foundation. His family spent much of their time with the abundant wildlife that thrived there during the 1960s and 1970s. Poole’s unique upbringing gave him an appreciation and curiosity of the natural world, a highly adventurous spirit, and a strong sense of self-reliance. As a teenager, Poole’s relationship with National Geographic began when he worked with a film crew on a documentary about elephants. Ten years later, Poole’s first film as a cinematographer for National Geographic was about his sister, Dr. Joyce Poole, the renowned elephant zoologist. He is now one of the world’s leading wildlife cinematographers and has shot many Emmy Award-winning films. Poole’s credit list includes over 30 films for National Geographic Television.

In 2012, the National Geographic Television-produced film War Elephants reunites Poole with his sister as they work in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park to help elephants traumatized by years of civil war and poaching.

Whether tracking elephants in extreme desert environments of Mali, following wildebeest across the Serengeti, or traveling roadless regions of war-torn Sudan, Poole’s lifetime experience, and unfailing tenacity help him to capture remarkable moments.

National geographic