Isa Leshko, a photographer, is frightened of growing old. She was “forced to confront her own death” after caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, but she planned to do it in an unexpected way. Leshko began touring farm sanctuaries around the United States to photograph the elderly animals who lived there. However, over the course of nearly a decade, the project’s aim moved from being a vehicle for Leshko’s anxiety to advocacy. She now uses her photographs to advocate for these creatures.
Isa Leshko, a photographer, is frightened of becoming older. She was “forced to confront her own mortality” after caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, but she planned to do it in an unusual way. Leshko began touring farm sanctuaries around the United States to photograph the geriatric animals who lived there. Over the course of nearly a decade, however, the project’s aim moved from being a vehicle for Leshko’s anxiety to advocacy. She now uses her photos to advocate for these creatures.
Allowed to Grow Old, the resulting series, features somber black and white images of the animals in their natural habitat. They provide a dignified yet unflinching look at the difficult life these creatures have led. Buddy (a 28-year-old Appaloosa horse) is blind and has arthritis, while Violet, a 12-year-old potbellied pig, is largely paralyzed. Their stories are heartbreaking, but they are not unusual. “Nearly all of the farm animals I met for this project had been subjected to horrendous abuse and neglect before being rescued,” Leshko adds. “To be in the presence of a farm animal who has lived to old age is nothing short of a miracle.”
Leshko’s regard for her resilient subjects is evident in her approach to photographing them, as evidenced by the devastating photographs. “Rescued farm animals are frequently apprehensive of strangers,” she continues, “and developing a comfortable connection with the creatures I photograph can take several days.” Before taking a single photograph, I frequently spend many hours lying on the ground next to an animal. This allows the animal to adjust to my presence and allows me to be totally there as I learn about her.”
Allowed to Grow Old is now a book with Leshko’s images and biographical information about her subjects. You can order a copy at Amazon.
Isa Leshko’s series Allowed to Grow Old features dignified farm animal pictures of senior species rescued from factory farming.
Isa Leshko: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Stephanie Stanley says
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.
Tanja says
Thank you! I love all kind of animals.
Stash says
Wonderful work, absolutely love it
linda brancati says
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.
Carlos A Torres Martinez says
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.
Sheila Hardt says
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.
Winona Dayle Groves says
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.
Αreti Sari says
Animals always prove the perfection of the world..so beautiful
All of them
Liza Lindmark says
I watched your beautiful pictures with tears in my eyes! Thank goodness someone save them so they could grow old.
Rin Zsiga says
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.
Neecee Travillion says
Ethereal photographs, hauntingly beautiful.
Abi Nimmo says
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!
Abi Nimmo says
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!
p reiser says
Oh my gosh, I have tears in my eyes. This is haunting, evocative, and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with the world.
Jane Herr says
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.