In a world often defined by youth and vitality, photographer Isa Leshko has turned her lens to a remarkable group of individuals: the aging farm animals who have survived the harsh realities of factory farming. Her series, Allowed to Grow Old, is a poignant tribute to their resilience and a powerful call for compassion and change.
The Power of Photography
Leshko’s black and white portraits offer a stark and intimate glimpse into the lives of these rescued animals. Each image tells a story of suffering, survival, and ultimately, hope. From the wise eyes of a weathered horse to the gentle gaze of a potbellied pig, the animals’ expressions convey a depth of emotion that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
A Testament to Resilience
Many of the animals featured in Allowed to Grow Old have endured unimaginable cruelty and neglect. Yet, despite their hardships, they have found a measure of peace and contentment in their sanctuary homes. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the animal spirit and the importance of providing them with the care and compassion they deserve.
A Call for Change
Beyond its artistic value, Leshko’s work is a powerful tool for raising awareness about the plight of farm animals. By showcasing the individual personalities and suffering of these creatures, she challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the food we consume. Allowed to Grow Old is a call to action, urging us to support ethical farming practices and advocate for stronger animal welfare protections.
Isa Leshko’s Allowed to Grow Old is a masterpiece of photography that captures the beauty, dignity, and resilience of aging farm animals. Through her powerful images, she invites us to connect with these creatures on a deeper level and to recognize their inherent worth. By sharing their stories, she hopes to inspire a more compassionate and just world for all living beings.
Isa Leshko’s series Allowed to Grow Old features dignified farm animal pictures of senior species rescued from factory farming.
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Thank you for your beautiful, evocative photos of these truly fortunate animals, rescued after hell. We have no idea of the resilience of animals, but these images give us a glimpse.
Thank you! I love all kind of animals.
Wonderful work, absolutely love it
I really wish all animals could live out their lives like this, no hunting, no abuse or cruelty. I know it will never be, but I live in hope.
Son fotos realmente hermosas, y a la vez triste para mi cuando me doy cuenta que es la primera vez que a diversos animales haber podido llegar a la edad en que se muestran en las fotos, gracias por el amor y dedicación que le otorgan a cada uno de ellos.
It is a strange and often heart reckoning to decide an animal should be put down. I had to do this in two instances with 2 of my dogs. I often rely on my own thoughts and my vets to do this, and do not want them to suffer. . I hope I made the right decision. I know it was a traumatic experience, but sometimes wonder if animals are luckier than humans for euthanasia.
I really feel what you’re saying. I’ve thought the same thing. I’ve always felt that if I bring a creature into my house I have a responsibility to make their life as happy as I can, and I feel the responsiblity to make their passing as painless as I have the ability to make it.
Animals always prove the perfection of the world..so beautiful
All of them
I watched your beautiful pictures with tears in my eyes! Thank goodness someone save them so they could grow old.
Wonderful our elderly animals are given attention in a book that can help people around the world to understand and learn about these elderly animals that deserve more then they are ever given.
Ethereal photographs, hauntingly beautiful.
I hope life in their senior years are as beautiful as they are. I will never have anything to do with animal products again.. clothing, food, household products.. & medicines. No one else should suffer for my benefit whoever that individual is. Yes, I see all as individuals, not just humans! Thankfully I have left that narcissistic (arrogant, selfish) human centric bubble well behind me!
Great photographs capturing their personalities. I hope life in their senior years is as beautiful as they are. That they receive love in abundance.
I will never have anything to do with animal products again.. clothing, food, household products.. & medicines. No one else should suffer for my benefit whoever that individual is. Yes, I see all as individuals, not just humans! Thankfully, I woke up & left that narcissistic (arrogant, selfish) human centric bubble of a world well behind me!
Oh my gosh, I have tears in my eyes. This is haunting, evocative, and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with the world.
Such touching pictures. Factory farming of animals should be a crime. You don’t see that type of abuse in smaller family farms. The farmers in smaller operations understand the importance of caring properly for animals they raise.