Bob Poole is an acclaimed director of photography, TV & film host, and speaker, recognized for his Emmy Award–winning work in wildlife filmmaking. With an illustrious career, producing films for BBC, PBS NATURE, NOVA, Discovery Networks, and National Geographic—where he created over 40 films—his breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling are now canon in the wildlife filmmaking world.

As a child, Bob lived in Kenya, where his father was founder and director of the Smithsonian-Peace Corps Environmental Program and director of African operations for the African Wildlife Leadership Foundation.  Growing up around wildlife gave Bob the instincts to capture captivating, intimate visuals that depict the inner world of elephants. From behind his lens, he conveys the complex dynamics, behaviors, and struggles faced by these gentle giants. This ability to tell evocative, personal stories has played a crucial role in building empathy and support for the species, while producing dozens of award-winning documentaries.

Bob has been a fierce advocate for elephants for decades.  Together with his sister Joyce Poole—one of the world’s foremost elephant researchers and behavioral experts—Bob has created groundbreaking documentaries and publications, which have shed light on the challenges faced by elephants and the urgent need for their protection.

In his recent work, Bob has ventured into one of Africa’s harshest climates to film desert elephants in Namibia to lead cinematography for a four-part series called Secrets of the Elephants. Narrated by Natalie Portman and produced by James Cameron, this remarkable production, streaming on Disney+, showcases Bob’s dedication to illuminating the complexity and wonder of these majestic creatures.

Through stunning cinematography, captivating storytelling, and a deep knowledge of wildlife and habitat Bob inspires audiences to explore and protect our natural world.