We Animals in 2023: A Year of Growth and Impact

Film: Nick Schafer, 2023
Narration: Jo-Anne McArthur

Partnerships, assignments, fellowships, campaigns, strategy, poignant photography, films, and awards. These elements defined our year at We Animals in our most impactful year yet: 2023.

This year, We Animals remained steadfast in our commitment to bring visibility to hidden animals—those trapped in our human systems of exploitation, be it on farms, in zoos and aquariums, in places of research, entertainment and religious sacrifice. Our values of Excellence, Generosity, Collaboration, Integrity, and Leadership guide our tireless efforts.

Thank you for being with us on this journey. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind our progress, and we’re excited to share with you our accomplishments in 2023 made possible by your generosity.

Our world-class stock platform now boasts over 25,000 visuals, free to anyone advocating for animals. This resource is fundamental to our mission of helping people amplify their advocacy.

By mid-year, our global network comprised 100 talented photographers. These individuals venture into farms, slaughterhouses, wet markets, and natural disasters to visually capture the enduring experiences of animals. Their dedication places them at physical, financial, and psychological risk, allowing us to witness and share these stories.

In its second year, we awarded not one but two animal photojournalism fellowships. From 62 applications across the Global North and South, Havva Zorlu documented animal uses across Türkiye, while Selene Magnolia received a Senior Fellowship for her project Long Shadow, capturing farming practices in Europe.

Our work garnered recognition from various awards and festivals, including the Siena International Photography Awards. We also participated in photography portfolio reviews at Visa pour l’Image in France, and our founder, Jo-Anne McArthur, presented to members of the European Parliament.

Our visuals found a place in over 350 media outlets this year, prominently featured from Vox to National Geographic.

We concentrated on working in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, collaborating with organizations such as World Animal Protection, Sibanye Trust, FIAPO, and Sinergia Animal to document and raise awareness about diverse animal issues.

Independent assignments kept our photographers busy, covering events from the impact of California’s floods on dairy cows to drone footage of mega-dairies in Arizona, Indonesia’s wet markets, sheep farming in Slovakia, and more.

Social change is often painstakingly slow, but in 2023, we continued to witness the impact our visuals had on the public consciousness, challenging perceptions about our use of animals.

We Animals is a hub of ideas, activism, strategy, and momentum, and as a non-profit, we rely on your support. We hope you’ll join us in 2024 as we embrace greater responsibilities and set new goals for further impact and influence.

A heartfelt thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, photographers, and cheerleaders for being a crucial part of the We Animals family throughout 2023. In 2024, we recommit to our mission to bring visibility to animals, serve the animal advocacy movement, and contribute to creating a kinder world.