In a recent National Geographic PROOF, Stefano said: “Wildlife is not just a species, but a group of individuals with their own personalities and their own specific behavior in the group. Some are more shy, more strong, more sad, more happy. If you start understanding this, then you should completely reconsider the relationship we have with other species overall. And not only with wildlife but also with the billions of individuals we use as livestock. When we start thinking about other individuals rather than other species, it becomes more difficult not to pay attention.”

Read more here about Stefano’s fondest memories photographing wildlife and the intimate images that came from those experiences.