To mark the fifth anniversary of We Animals’ book, HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene, we’re reflecting on the book’s impact and what has changed for animals since its publication.
Are the animals we use and abuse less hidden than five years ago? If so, has it changed how we treat them or our lifestyles at all? And how do these photojournalists keep going, exposing themselves to scenes of extreme suffering year after year, when progress often seems so slow?
The past five years have seen some significant progress for animals globally, from Britain’s ban on live exports to more than 50 jurisdictions (countries, regions, and states) enacting bans or restrictions on wild animals in circuses; thousands of corporate commitments to cage-free eggs, and an increasing number of countries enacting a ban on fur farming. Yet, the number of animals farmed for food continues to grow at a pace. While there is evidence of more awareness about animal issues, and more people eliminating or reducing their consumption of animal products, there are still more animals being raised in ever-worse conditions for cheaper meat—companies continue to find ways to produce more meat and market it with billion-dollar budgets.
Unlucky number 7. An immobilized pig awaits the administration of an infusion in a jugular catheter. Spain, 2019.
Carlota Saorsa / HIDDEN / We Animals
Adam Oswell / HIDDEN / We Animals
HIDDEN was created to shine a light on the invisible animals in our lives: those we have a close relationship with and yet fail to see. The stories within its pages are proof of the emergency confronting animals globally, from industrial farming to climate change, and demonstrate the connection between animal suffering and human health.
Ducks penned for slaughter. Taipei, Taiwan, 2019.
Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
HIDDEN’s Impact
Since its publication in November 2020, HIDDEN has garnered global recognition for its poignant depiction of animal lives. See some of our key highlights below.
2023 Honorable Mention
Siena International Photo Awards
Storyboard
2022 Gold
Prix de la Photographie Paris
Book / Documentary
2022 3rd Place - Jury Top 5
International Photography Awards
Deeper Perspective
2021 Gold Medallist
Independent Publisher Book Awards
“Outstanding Book of the Year Most Likely To Save The Planet
2020 Winner
Pictures of the Year International
Photography Book of the Year
Number of copies sold worldwide
Number of exhibits featuring HIDDEN’s work
Over 3,700 copies of HIDDEN have been sold, plus e-book versions of the book. Order your copy, in print or digital format.
HIDDEN’s poignant depictions of animals’ lives have been featured in over 15 exhibitions worldwide, including at the European Parliament, Montier Photo Festival and the University of Valencia. See more and find out how to host your own exhibit!
The work of HIDDEN’s contributors has been celebrated by Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature Photographer of the Year, Festival della Fotographia Etica, Alfred Fried Peace Award, the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, World Press Photo, NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism, Sony World Photography Awards, Picture of the Year International, Latin International Photography Award, DAYS Japan, and Prix de la Photographie.
HIDDEN’s photographers have also been published in and interviewed by publications such as National Geographic, GEO, BBC Discover Wildlife, The Guardian, CNN, Telegraph, New Scientist, Newsweek, The Sunday Times, Nikon Pro, Black+White Photography, Vice, La Repubblica and The Washington Post. Additionally, their work has been used in animal advocacy campaigns worldwide.
A Special Offer
To mark five years since the publication of this award-winning book, you can get a copy of HIDDEN for just $55 CAD (regular price $105 CAD), plus shipping.
Offer available November 17 – November 28, 2025.
This offer is exclusive to orders shipped to North America.
Got a question? Please reach out to books@weanimals.org.
Buying We Animals’ books directly supports our continued animal photojournalism. Learn more about our books.
Celebrate five years of HIDDEN with 50% off.
“Anyone taking images of animal abuse is motivated to create change. That’s why our definition of the genre describes it in that way. Animal photojournalism seeks swift and necessary change on behalf of the animals in the frame. Motivation keeps people in the field. Impact also keeps us returning to gather stories and visual evidence. I think we also keep returning because the alternative—doing nothing—is demotivating. With billions of animals suffering needlessly when we ultimately have the power to end that abuse, how could we stop putting in the effort? The animals need us. Culture change is slow, but we have momentum, strategy, and partners to accelerate animal visibility and change.” — Jo-Anne McArthur
Hear from some of the photojournalists whose work is featured in HIDDEN via the We Animals photographer interview series.
The view inside an overcrowded transport packed with broiler chickens bound for slaughter. Poland, 2017.
Andrew Skowron / HIDDEN / We Animals
Aaron Gekoski / HIDDEN / We Animals
As far as the eye can see. Thousands of chickens packed into a broiler hall complex. Finland, 2017.
Juho Kerola / HIDDEN / We Animals
HIDDEN is a historical document, a memorial and an indictment of what is and should never again be.
Did you know? Our stock platform offers 40,000+ photos and videos of animal issues around the globe. Non-commercial (free) and commercial licensing available.