Colorado Teen Wants To Take A Picture With Every Animal Species

Tallon's critter quest started when he was 5-years-old. His father Bob Nightwalker, who works at a wildlife sanctuary, realized that he didn't have any photos of his young son with the animals.

Bob originally snapped a quick shot with Tallon and a bullsnake. 11 years later, the pair have filled quite a few photo albums.

Tallon has already taken up-close and personal pictures with 840 animals, leaving him with only 25,000 to go. Some of the creatures that he has already captured over time are a black bear, camel, zebra, tiger rat snake and plenty more.

Until now, most of the pictures have been taken in Colorado or neighboring states, but the father and son are finding it hard to get photo opportunities that fit inside their rules.

While the father and son are happy to admit that the project has brought them closer together, the pair hopes it does more for the animals.

"I think Tallon is helping save many of these animals, many of whom some people have never heard of before," Bob Nightwalker told the Denver Post.

Every photo is posted on Tallon's Facebook page along with a note on whether the animal pictured is endangered. Sadly, most of them are. 

To continue raising awareness on the struggles of these amazing creatures, the Nightwalkers plan to start traveling out of state to get the snapshots.

The guidelines for Tallon's animal photos are that he needs to be holding the animal, next to someone holding the animal, or close enough to the animal for a good photo.

Additionally only shots of animals alive and in a barrier-free environment are included in Tallon's project.

The Nightwalkers also ensure that both Tallon and the animals are safe during photo shoots. Having worked in a wildlife sanctuary for many years, Bob Nightwalker can usually read when a critter is not in the mood for a close-up.

Tallon also has a good gauge for animal behavior, having worked at the sanctuary as well, but admits that he has received a few small bites. "I have a pretty good idea what to look out for," Tallon told the Denver Post. "I try to keep one eye on the animal to gauge its reaction."

The teenager is prepared to get a few more bumps and bruises -- and some frequent flier miles to complete his ambitious project. Tallon is planning to travel for animal visits in the near future, in hopes of spreading the word about the vast variety of wild species that need our help and protection.