Wildlife photographer Andy Parkinson has decided to donate a percentage of his profits to charities that work to preserve animals’ disappearing habitats.
Inspired by David Slater’s settlement – the photographer whose camera was used for the famous ‘monkey selfie’ – Parkinson followed suit in hopes of inspiring other to do the same.
The BBC Wildlife and National Geographic photographer believes that: “We need to start giving back more to our subjects.”
PETA
Parkinson has made the pledge to PETA UK, following the outcome of the landmark lawsuit.
PETA U.K. Director of International Programmes Mimi Bekhechi commented: “Andy Parkinson’s stunning photographs showcase animals’ beauty, and his pledge will help preserve their homes.”
“PETA hopes many other wildlife photographers will follow his lead and share their takings with the subjects of their work.”
Frustration
Parkinson has also expressed his frustration that so many wildlife photographers don’t care more about the suffering of farmed animals.
He said: “It makes no sense to spend our days looking directly into the eyes of our wild cousins, transfixed and astonished by their beauty, and then go home and fry up some bacon.
“We can’t be environmental champions and eat meat, we can’t claim to be animal lovers and then be complicit in the needless violence inflicted upon them.
“At all times, we must act with honour, compassion, and decency, and I hope this pledge will inspire my colleagues to join me in giving back to the animals.
“It is, after all, they that we have to thank for our careers, and we need to extend our circle of compassion to all those in the animal kingdom.”
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