Endangered animals light up Empire State Building
New York's Empire State Building has played host to a new project highlighting endangered species. The display came amid ongoing controversy over animal poaching and the highly publicized death of Cecil the lion.
Raising awareness
The stated aim of the "Projecting Change on the Empire State Building" initiative is to raise awareness about the plight of endangered animals from around the world.
Oscar-winning initiator
The project was the brainchild of Louie Psihoyos, founder of the Oceanic Preservation Society and director of Oscar-winning 2009 documentary film "The Cove," which examined often grisly aspects of Japan's dolphin-hunting industry.
No monkey business
For three hours between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. local time (0100 and 0400 UTC) on Saturday, 160 different endangered species were projected on to the south side of the New York landmark. The eight-minute cycle was repeated every 15 minutes.
Unique spectacle
Organizers described the event as a "first of its kind" in live video projections - drawing on up to 40 large projectors to create the exhibition.
No species too big or small
From tigers and monkeys to birds and insects; the striking images were all clearly visible upon the Empire State's 381-meter-high (1,250-foot) facade from almost 20 blocks away.
Tribute to Cecil
Among the images was a giant, 106-meter homage to Zimbabwean lion Cecil. The big cat, known for his distinctive black mane, was killed last month by American trophy hunter and dentist James Palmer. His death has caused international outrage.
From up above and down below
Crowds gathered in Manhattan's bustling Saturday night avenues and looked on from apartment roof tops to capture the moments on their smart phones.
Racing against extinction
"Projecting Change on the Empire State Building" was organized as part of a promotion for a new documentary, "Racing Extinction," which is due to air in December.