Mana, a rescued former laying hen being treated for yolk peritonitis, receives anesthesia from veterinary staff before surgery. Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
For many animals rescued from farms, happily ever after isn’t instant.
Often, years of poor living conditions, intensive breeding, and neglect have led to complex health issues that require special care. We Animals photojournalist Lukas Vincour visited veterinary clinics throughout the Czech Republic to document the meticulous medical attention given to rescued farmed animals.
Photographer: Lukas Vincour
“It was poignant to witness these individuals receive the level of dedicated respect and care that society typically reserves for “pets.” Seeing chickens, ducks, and rabbits receive individual veterinary care the same as any companion animal would was beautiful and inspiring.” — Lukas Vincour, Animal Photojournalist
Animal photojournalist Lukas Vincour (left) and veterinarian Dr. Kristyna Pokrupova pose with Mana, a rescued former laying hen suffering from yolk peritonitis. Veterinary Clinic ExoCare, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Emily, a hen resident at Farma Nadeje (Hope Farm) farmed animal sanctuary, undergoes treatment by veterinarian Dr. Lubica Necasova for bumblefoot, a painful inflammatory condition that commonly affects chickens and other birds. Veterinary Clinic Na Hradku, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Hen Emily remains asleep from anesthesia in her carrier at the veterinary clinic after undergoing treatment for bumblefoot from veterinarian Dr. Lubica Necasova. Veterinary Clinic Na Hradku, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Lukas photographed animals like Libuska, a three-year-old hen, who was never supposed to see a veterinarian. Bred for egg production, Libuska developed yolk peritonitis—a painful, life-threatening condition common in laying hens. Her original keepers chose to ignore it. But at ExoCare Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Kristyna Pokrupova, a vegan veterinarian specializing in exotic and small animal medicine, took a different approach. She drained the fluid, ran bacterial tests, and implanted hormones to stop further egg- laying. For the first time, Libuska had a chance to heal.
Libuska, a rescued hen, sits in the arms of veterinarian Dr. Kristyna Pokrupova who is treating Libuska for yolk peritonitis. Veterinary Clinic ExoCare, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Libuska, a rescued hen, is treated for yolk peritonitis at the veterinary clinic. Veterinarian Dr. Kristyna Pokrupova inserts a tube into Libuska’s abdominal cavity to drain accumulated fluid. Veterinary Clinic ExoCare, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Veterinarian Dr. Kristyna Pokrupova uses a microscope to analyze samples taken from Libuska. Libuska is a rescued hen suffering from yolk peritonitis. Veterinary Clinic ExoCare, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Another story Lukas documented was that of Eda, a domestic duck rescued from a breeding farm and cared for by Farma Nadeje (Hope Farm) sanctuary. Eda was brought to see the vet after he experienced difficulty walking. At Na Hradku Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Lubica Necasova conducted a thorough examination, including X-rays, which confirmed no severe issues. Eda was prescribed medication and vitamins to support his mobility and was soon on his way back home, comfortably nestled in his carrier.
Rescued male duck Eda stands on a treatment table as veterinarian Dr. Lubica Necasova examines him. Veterinary Clinic Na Hradku, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Veterinary staff analyze and discuss X-ray results of Eda, a rescued male duck who has been exhibiting mobility issues. Veterinary Clinic Na Hradku, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Eda, a rescued male duck, stands beneath an X-ray machine while a veterinary staff member steadies him under the machine. Veterinary Clinic Na Hradku, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
And while rescue gave rabbits Vida and Skritek a second chance at life, their struggles were longstanding. Vida had survived a breeding farm, lost a leg, and was now battling inflammation and respiratory issues. Skritek had been pulled from a home breeder with a broken pelvis, her future uncertain. At Fenix Veterinary Clinic, things began looking up. Brought in by the Czech rescue organization Kraj Jinotaj, Lukas documented both rabbits receiving expert care—specialized exams, X-rays, and the kind of attention they had never known. Against all odds, both are on their way to recovery.
Rescued female rabbit Skritek is held by one of her caregivers while veterinarian Dr. Nikola Koller trims Skritek’s hind claws. Veterinary Clinic Fenix, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Rescued female rabbit Vida is gently held by veterinarian Dr. Nikola Koller while she examines her. Veterinary Clinic Fenix, Prague, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
Rescued female rabbits Vida (left) and Skritek (right) nap in a carrier at the veterinary clinic. Veterinary Clinic Fenix, Czechia, 2024.
Lukas Vincour / We Animals
These images pull back the curtain on a world few ever see—the dedicated work of those caring for farmed animals after the rescue.
Explore the full collection of Lukas Vincour’s documentation of vets helping farmed animals, now available via the We Animals stock platform.
Photographer: Lukas Vincour
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