Read Tara’s thought-provoking piece for TUFTS Fletcher Security Review on the nexus of wildlife crime and global security risks, written surrounding the 2024 Security Review’s thematic exploration of identity. Tara explores the commonly accepted narrative presenting wildlife crime as a security risk and its overall impact on conservation. She asks: what message has the general public been left with if volunteer protestors are leading their causes with chants equating wildlife product consumption to funding terrorism? How much of this narrative is rooted in data? And ultimately, what is its impact on the rangers protecting targeted wildlife?

Explore this National Geographic-funded multimedia creative storytelling project that guides readers through complicated human side of the poaching crisis, centering the voices of the people—especially the rangers—experiencing the crisis first-hand.

Read Tara’s investigative reporting for National Geographic on the long-awaited trial of a star wildlife ranger on poaching-related charges illustrates the extent of criminal syndicates’ reach in Kruger National Park.

In the Future of Wildlife chapter (authored and illustrated by Tara) of the digital and print book Constructive Visions: 10 Lessons From a Sustainable Future, hear from wildlife five years in the future prompting readers to reflect on lessons learned from the pandemic. Dugongs, bats, and elephants write individual letters to humans emotionally depicting how humans navigated the pandemic, touching on critical ways we can learn from past mistakes.

As a National Geographic Explorer and artist, Tara was commissioned by National Geographic to create this elephant painting and related educational social content (featured on @natgeo Instagram and TikTok) for Earth Month 2023 and promotion of their series Secrets Of The Elephants. This marked the first time art was featured on the main @natgeo instagram, notably reaching over 9 million views.

As a National Geographic Explorer and artist, Tara was commissioned by National Geographic to create this original octopus painting and related educational social content (featured on @natgeo @natgeowild Instagram and @natgeo TikTok) for Earth Month 2024 and promotion of their series Secrets Of The Octopus.

Relax with National Geographic Explorer, Tara Keir, as she paints an octopus to celebrate Secrets of the Octopus.

Secrets of the Octopus, narrated by Paul Rudd is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Serve as a National Geographic Ambassador to enrich the experience of travelers while on their National Geographic Expedition. Share relevant information and insights with travelers throughout the trip, including providing several lectures about my work as a National Geographic Explorer, relevant research, National Geographic funded projects, and themes explored throughout the departure. Help travelers connect with National Geographic's mission to use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

Trips scheduled on: Southern Africa Safari by Private Air (Dec 2023), On Safari: Tanzania's Great Migration (March 2025)

National Geographic Photo Camp provides a meaningful introduction to photography for young people around the world. Each Photo Camp is an immersive experience where students receive instruction and guidance from world-class National Geographic Explorers and photographers, build skills and confidence, explore the world around them, and develop deep connections with each other. As a Team Leader, help inspire the next generation of storytellers, as they share their ideas and see the power of their own voice through photography and writing. Work one-on-one with students to hone their storytelling skills, closely leading a smaller group of students, and also working with the group as a whole. Through intimate presentations in their own communities and public exhibitions that reach millions of viewers, National Geographic Photo Camp showcases global youth perspectives on issues that are important to all of us.

National Geographic Storytellers Collective workshops are led by Explorers, a team of world-class experts who create compelling content for and about the world. Through National Geographic Storytellers Collective, Explorers share their unique storytelling practices with groups around the world through our live, immersive workshops.

Tara has led an impact-driven storytelling workshop with Google’s Sustainability team focused on creating and public presentations to inspire impact, as well as a digital storytelling workshop with professors at the University of Louisville, focused on the art of using StoryMaps.