Announcing our First Fellow of 2024
|
|
|
|
Bogna Wiltowska / Photo: Andrew Skowron
|
|
|
We are thrilled to have received project proposals for our 2024 Animal Photojournalism Fellowship from candidates in Asia, North and South America, and Europe.
Two proposals particularly impressed us and we are so pleased to announce that we have awarded two Animal Photojournalism Fellowships this year. We’re announcing this year’s Fellows through May and June, beginning this month with Bogna Wiltowska.
Beginning in June, Bogna will work with Jo-Anne McArthur and the We Animals team for approximately six months. The Fellowship honorarium, $6,500 CAD, will cover project costs and a stipend for the duration of her project. Stay tuned for our second fellow announcement, coming next month.
|
|
|
|
Craigslist Ad Prompts Large-Scale Hen Rescue
|
|
|
|
Rescuer Avery Laing carries a young laying hen out of a barn at an egg-laying farm that is closing its operations. Diana Hulet / We Animals Media
|
|
Last month a farm in Oregon, USA, posted on Craigslist that it was shutting down and selling all of its 4,000 hens for USD$10 (~CAN$13.60) each.
Local animal advocates, including We Animals Masterclass graduate Diana Hulet, swiftly organized a rescue effort. The large-scale operation involved many people and sanctuaries from multiple states with one shared goal – to save as many birds from death as possible. After almost three weeks of dedicated efforts, 435 hens were rescued. (In the end, the farmer decided to open the barn doors and invite people to take as many hens as they could, with no money exchanged).
|
|
|
|
Left to right: We Animals Media (WAM) Managing Director Lisa Amerogen, WAM Founder Jo-Anne McArthur, Journalist Jessica Scott-Reid, Sentient's Executive Director Ana Bradley, and The Dodo's Executive Producer Joanna Zelman. Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media
|
|
We recently attended the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit.
“To be surrounded by individuals from all over the world who are fighting for animal justice was inspiring and galvanizing,” said our Managing Director, Lisa Amerogen.
“There are so many ways that We Animals can serve this network and, ultimately, the animals. I can't wait to get started on some of the collaborative projects we discussed! A highlight was catching a sneak preview of Allison Argo's latest film, 'Forever Home'. It was a delightful dive into the work of an animal-centered-designed sanctuary that had both Jo and me in joyful tears throughout.”
We’re proud that two of our We Animals contributors, Kelly Guerin-Buckley and Thomas Machowicz, were cinematographers on the film.
|
|
Subscribe to our Stock Site
|
|
Our clients need timely access to compelling imagery, and we're proud to step up to meet that need. You can now subscribe to our Stock Platform and gain access to priority support, enhanced functionality, and licensing flexibility including;
- Unlimited downloads for both non-commercial AND commercial use (including fundraising)
- Direct downloads (skip the cart)
- Logins for your whole team
Starting at just $300 CDN per month, the Stock Subscription opens the door to more than 25,000 compelling visuals, with new content published every week. Your subscription also helps support the animal photojournalists who are doing this difficult work. Book a consultation today to sign up or learn more. We're here to help!
|
|
Fundraise for We Animals this Summer
|
|
|
|
Pelote at GroinGroin refuge in France. Pelote was rescued from severe neglect in 2020. Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media
|
|
Looking for a creative way to help animals this summer? Fundraising is a fun and simple way to support WAM and involve your family and friends in animal protection.
You can set up a fundraiser for any occasion (like our 5th anniversary on July 12th! 👀😉). Some examples:
- Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and graduations
- Personal fitness achievements
- Celebrating a loved one or honouring their memory
- Accomplishments like learning a new skill or going vegan
- Or simply to raise awareness and make a difference!
To get started, follow the step-by-step instructions on our website, or reach out to Jennifer at development@weanimals.org with your fundraising idea!
|
|
Photo of the Month: Motherhood
|
|
|
|
Gabriela Penela / We Animals Media
|
|
May 12 was Mother’s Day, a day in which we acknowledged mothers of all species.
In her behavioral studies with farmed animals, ethologist Liza Moscovice confirmed that pigs experience empathy and exhibit an understanding of each other’s emotional states. Behavioral biologist Sandra Düpjan has shown that pigs also experience optimism and pessimism. Jan Langbein from the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology says of cows, goats, pigs, and other livestock, “These are not dumb creatures. They have a rich emotional life and personality”, and that farmers are more willing to accept that these animals are not just production units.*
Still, sows spend much of their lives in gestation or farrowing crates like you see here. This new mother can’t turn around, walk, or tend to her young as she naturally would. Without science, advocacy, policy and diet change, these crates will be slow to disappear.
*American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dec 2023. Curious Minds: The cognitive powers of farm animals, by David Grimm.
|
|
|
Our Images at Work
Click below to see our visuals in the world
|
|
|
|
|
ICYMI: Conversation with a Fox Farmer
|
|
|
"We’re in Changli, a city commonly referred to as the ‘fur capital of China.’ It is home to an industry that would under normal circumstances be impenetrable to outsiders with cameras. But today, we are welcomed as customers, accompanying volunteers from a Buddhist animal sanctuary to document the ‘mercy release’ of over 5,000 foxes and raccoon dogs. Their lives were made visible to us for this one fleeting window." - We Animals Media filmmaker, Kelly Guerin
|
|
|
|
|
