Animal Photo Reference Repository

@animalphotorefs

This site is an open-access, AI-free repository of wildlife and non-domestic animal image references. Artists (creating *without* AI) have blanket permission for transformative and derivative use. www.animal-photo-references.com All photos by @rhgarner.

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Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 3d

Would you like to help pick the species that are prioritized for upload on to the Repository? Normally that's a perk for a Patreon supporters - but this weeks' poll is being opened up to all free and paid members! We're voting on some super cool animals this week. www.patreon.com/animalphotor...

A very cute photo of a serval curled up in a firehose hammock, looking at you.

A maribou stork standing on a log in the sun, beak gaping to cool off

Two young elephant seals practicing sparring in shallow water next to a beach

A close-up on the face of a grumpy-looking musk-ox

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 5d

Photos of the Day: Asian elephant bull buddies www.animal-photo-references.com/asian-elepha... All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two adult Asian elephant bulls stand in an enclosure, butts towards each other, grazing.

Two Asian elephant bulls stand next to each other in an enclosure, trunks touching at the ground.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 10d

And our red-ruffed update, couldn't forget them! www.animal-photo-references.com/red-ruffed-l... All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two red-ruffed lemurs eating snacks off a dollhouse sized picnic table in the grass. One has a whole cherry tomato in its mouth and is chewing awkwardly.

A red-ruffed lemur very casually stepping down from a high log onto the roof of a hut.

A red-ruffed lemur mid-big-stretch, front paw and toes extended like a fancy lady offering a hand to be kissed.

Two red-ruffed lemurs on a rock under overhanging foliage. The closest one is sticking its tongue out.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 10d

I also went ahead and updated each species with a bunch of shots that hadn't made it online yet. All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI). www.animal-photo-references.com/ring-tailed-...

A ring-tailed lemur doing a handstand to scent-mark the top of a post on a climbing structure.

A ring-tailed lemur eating a snack on a rock.

A group of ring-tailed lemurs huddled together, using each other for warmth.

Four ring-tailed lemurs hanging out on or next to a little bed in the shade of big trees. They are grooming and looking around.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 10d

Species Update: Ring-tailed and Red-Ruffed Lemurs! I have news! A bunch of other animals were photographer on the baby capybara trip and one thing to come of it is... lemur action shots! All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A ring-tailed lemur mid jump, coming in for landing on a post.

A red-ruffed lemur mid-jump between a climbing structure and a hut.

A red-ruffed lemur chasing a ring-tailed lemur on grass. They're almost about to catch each other and the ring-tailed lemur is running hard to dodge.

A red-ruffed lemur chasing a ring-tailed lemur around a climbing structure. The ring-tailed lemur is in mid-air jumping past the red-ruffed.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 29d

Species Update: Koala I just uploaded a bunch of new koala photos - go check them out! They've got lots of active behaviors in them. All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI). www.animal-photo-references.com/koala

A koala sitting in a bush looking at some leaves and berries.

A koala perched on a branch, looking off away from the camera.

A koala on a climbing structure mid-yawn, showing off big teeth.

A koala on a climbing tree in the middle of scratching its ear, hind leg extended.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· 29d

Photo of the Day: vampire crab All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jul 10

Photo of the Day: an upright gerenuk All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A male gerenuk standing upright in an exhibit on his hind legs, with his front legs propped on tree branches near head height.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jul 4

Photo of the Day: a screaming bald eagle All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI). www.animal-photo-references.com/bald-eagles

A bald eagle sitting on a branch in a forested area, turning towards the camera and vocalizing with a wide-open mouth.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jul 1

New Species: Striped Hyenas There's only few photos: this old man, who loved laying in the sun, was the only striped hyena anywhere near me. All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI) www.animal-photo-references.com/striped-hyenas

A close-up of a hyena sleeping on green grass with his tongue hanging out.

A hyena luxuriating in a good roll in green grass, on his back with all four legs in the air.

A hyena laying in grass, looking at the camera.

A hyena mid-yawn, showing lots of teeth and tongue.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jun 29

New Species: Spotted Hyenas A much-requested and long-awaited addition! All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI) www.animal-photo-references.com/spotted-hyenas

A spotted hyena looking directly into the camera.

A spotted hyena passed out in the shade, nose on paws.

A spotted hyena in an indoor bed of wood wool, curled up and cozy.

A spotted hyena walking towards the camera.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jun 28

Photo of the Day: the gaze of a Black-Headed Spider Monkey All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A visibly elderly spider monkey sits on top of a climbing structure, looking into the camera serenely.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jun 21

Species Update: Capybara! That's right, crowdfunded Operation Babybara is now online! There's a couple hundred new photos up for your admiration. All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI). www.animal-photo-references.com/capybara

A baby capybara with front feet up on a log, looking at a branch.

A baby capybara with front feet up on a stump being very cute.

A baby capybara sprawled on the ground in the sun.

Two baby capybara in a firehose hammock in the shade, one napping and one grooming.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Jun 8

Operation #Babybaras update: I am hoping to have baby capybara photos online by the end of this week! Thank you all for your patience - I came home to simultaneous requests for rush work from my day job and have been a bit swamped. I'm editing photos now! Here's a few previews to tide you over...

A baby capybara's head and front feet poking over the top of a log.

Multiple baby capybara nap in the sun underneath a tree.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 27

Photo of the Day: Banteng buddies All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two red cow-like bovines with white markings on their legs and curved horns stand under the shade of a tree.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 26

Photo of the Day: a napping Mandarin duck All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A very colorful duck sleeping perched on a stick, with one leg up. An awake female duck is visible just behind him.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 10

Photo of the Day: Mountain Goats - Let's go on a trek with Mama All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

An adult mountain goat, mid-shed, leading two tiny babies through tall plants.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 10

Photo of the Day: Common Brown Lemurs - Let's sit on Mama All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A common brown lemur baby sitting on the head of his mother, who is crouched on a perch.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 10

Photo of the Day: Bornean Orangutans - Let's snuggle with Mama All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

An adult female orangutan sitting on an indoor climbing structure, with a very tiny orangutan baby sitting in front of her, encircled by her arms.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 10

Photo of the Day: Black Rhinoceroses - Let's snack on leaves with Mama All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

An adult female black rhinoceros standing next to her very small calf in an open habitat. They are both chewing on mouthfuls of leaves.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 10

Photo of the Day: Reticulated Giraffes - Let's get a drink (from) Mama All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A small giraffe calf nursing from mom, both standing with their back ends to camera.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 6

Photo of the Day: close view of a tobacco hornworm All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A close view of a very blue tobacco hornworm on a small branch. It has white stripes on its flanks and yellow markings that look like eyes in between them.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 5

Photos of the Day: Vervet monkeys and their canines These photos were taking during bouts of play, not conflict. All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two vervet monkeys sitting on the ground, holding on to each other. One is looking away over it's shoulder while the other is leaning in towards him. Both have open mouths.

Two vervet monkeys sitting on a log holding on to each other, one appearing to bite the neck of the other, and the second one has their mouth wide open.

Two vervet monkeys playing on a log, one bending down and the other making a huge open-mouthed play face.

Two vervet monkeys playing on the ground, one on it's back on the ground making a huge open-mouthed play face up at the one standing over it.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 4

Photo of the Day: cheetah teef and tongue All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A cheetah in tall grass, mid stretch. It's mouth is open in a full yawn that shows off all teeth and tongue.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 3

**BABY CAPYBARAS GUARANTEED** Holy crap, folks. Y’all funded the minimum amount needed for this trip in less than 24 hours. There were also two incredibly generous donations, to which I must say: wow, you must really like capybara, and thank you so much. Operation #babybaras is a go!

A screenshot of the goal slider for the baby capybara photography trip showing a full bar and 6% over completely funded.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 2

Photos of the Day: the two perspectives of a hooded vulture disagreement All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two hooded vultures standing on the ground. One is standing on a large femur bone and leaning towards the second, mid-complaint. The second is standing on a rock and looking down and away.

Two hooded vultures standing on the ground. One is standing on a large femur bone and the other is standing on a rock. The second vulture is squawking at the first, who stands stoically.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· May 2

This is one of the babies we're hoping to get a ton of photos of for the Repository. They were born two weeks ago at a zoo that's a short road-trip away from me. I'm hoping to raise $800 to go photograph them in mid-May, before they're too grown up (yay rodents). ko-fi.com/animalphotor...

A baby capybara standing on a rock, looking stinking cute. Photo is by M. Owyang. Posted with permission, and not part of repository photos that are free to use.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Apr 30

Photo of the Day: meerkat family portrait All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

Two adult meerkats stand on their hind legs, one with visible teats. Three little meerkats crouch in between them peeking out.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Apr 29

Photo of the Day: curl-crested aracari portrait All photos on the repository are free-to-use for artists creating derivative/transformative works (sans AI).

A small toucan with "curly" head feathers sitting on a wooden log, looking back at the camera.

Animal Photo Reference Repository@animalphotorefs· Apr 28

I’m putting out feelers to see if there’s interest in funding a very quick May trip to photograph very fresh baby capybara! My rough estimate is that I’d need $500-600 for gas and a place to sleep. Photo by M. Owyang. Posted with permission, and not part of repository photos that are free to use.