SHARON GUYNUP is an award-winning investigative journalist, author, and National Geographic Explorer whose ground-breaking work on big cat conservation and uncovering illegal wildlife trafficking has been featured in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times, Smithsonian, and on NPR. Her work has earned her a 2017 award from the American Society of Journalists and Authors, recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists' New York and D.C. chapters, and the Humane Society Genesis Award. Today, she consults on wildlife and ecosystems as a global fellow with Wilson Center.

STEVE WINTER is a wildlife photojournalist who has photographed and produced stories for National Geographic since 1991. He specializes in wildlife and particularly big cats, and some of his big cat photographs are counted among National Geographic's most iconic. He's been named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year; was a two-time winner of Picture of the Year International's Global Vision Award; won first prize in the nature story category from World Press Photo in 2008 and 2014; and won second prize in World Press Photo in 2020 in the contemporary issues category for a story on captive tigers. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, BBC, and been interviewed by media outlets worldwide to discuss his work. He lectures on big cats as part of the National Geographic LIVE series and speaks globally on photography and conservation issues.