“A Natural Gift”

By now, you probably have seen at least some of the wonderful nature photographs donated to RRUCLA by businessman, philanthropist and photographer Howard Ruby. Following a tour of the new hospital in the spring of 2008, Mr. Ruby generously donated a significant number of the photographs he had created as part of his efforts to increase awareness about climate change. Mr. Ruby sent his own team to install the images in time for opening day in June.

The photographs, including arctic panoramas, polar bears, puffins, penguins and most recently a suite of exotic birds on the 3rd floor, are intended to educate viewers about the impact of environmental changes, while also providing beautiful and tranquil images for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy. While most of the photos are in public corridors, some are on the 2nd floor in interventional areas, brightening up the pathways.

In 2007, Mr. Ruby was named the Conservation Photographer of the Year by the National Wildlife Federation and Nature’s Best Photography Magazine. Many of the approximately 200 images donated to UCLA previously were on display at the Smithsonian.