Samuel L. Jackson, Dame Judi Dench, Billie Eilish, Sir Paul McCartney & dozens more stand with In Defense of Animals.
These artists, activists, and changemakers amplify our mission to defend animals, the environment, and their guardians — and together we are winning real victories for animals.
“Billy and Tina have sanctuaries willing to take them in. Continued exploitation and denial of their freedom is making them worse, and time is running out! Join me in supporting In Defense of Animals and urge the Tulsa Zoo to retire these elephants before it’s too late.”
Samuel L. Jackson
Actor and producer, on freeing captive elephants from zoos
Billie Eilish
Singer-songwriter, amplifying our call to free pandas imprisoned at Memphis Zoo
“We believe in justice for animals, the environment and people. That’s why we support the Plant Based Treaty and urge individuals and governments to sign it.”
Sir Paul McCartney, Stella McCartney, and Mary McCartney
Musician, fashion designer, and photographer, joint statement calling for action at COP26
“Rocky is suffering for nothing. Please, give him back his freedom.”
“The rounding up and killing of millions of stray animals in Türkiye is heartbreaking and extremely distressing... I stand with In Defense of Animals and call on the Government of Türkiye to reverse the new law.”
“Elephants are sensitive, emotional, and highly intelligent beings — seeing them suffer mentally and physically behind bars is heartbreaking. Join me and stand with In Defense of Animals against the captivity of elephants in zoos. I personally urge all zoos on the 10 Worst Zoos list to urgently retire elephants to accredited sanctuaries so they may live their lives with dignity.”
“Fur looks best on the animal born with it — not on a coat rack. It’s disgusting, outdated, and unnecessary.”
Ricky Gervais
Comedian, on Rocky the coyote, Türkiye’s stray animal massacre, the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants, 2021, and Fur Free Friday
“Supporting animal advocacy and rescue is extremely important to me, which is why I support In Defense of Animals. I want to continue building a better world for animals, and a charitable bequest is the best way to make that happen. If you love animals, I encourage you to remember vulnerable animals in your will – leave a legacy of love.”
Dame Judi Dench
Actress, supporting legacy giving for animals through In Defense of Animals
“These programs [animal gifting] are not only unsustainable and inhumane but entirely ignore the complex needs of animals and communities.”
“I urge decision-makers to consider more humane alternatives to poisoning the Farallon Islands.”
Dr. Jane Goodall
Ethologist and conservationist, on opposing animal gifting programs in Africa and rodenticide plans threatening marine life
“I would say there are four things an individual can do to make a difference. These things are basically the definition of good citizenship. First, get informed. Find good sources of information, and question what you read and hear in the news. Second, take a stand. Let others know your views on issues that matter to you. Third, get involved. Write letters, visit elected officials in their offices, and volunteer. Finally, give your support. If you have the means, support people and organizations that make a difference. Every little bit helps those organizations that are struggling to put their expertise to the best use possible on behalf of all of us.”
Pierce Brosnan
Actor, from In Defense of Animals’ Guardian magazine. Brosnan presented our Guardian awards and has spotlighted the harmful effects of sonar on marine wildlife, appeared in PSAs reuniting homeless animals and guardians post-hurricane, and publicly opposed the Canadian seal slaughter.
“It’s time to free this largest herd of vulnerable Tule elk from a deadly ‘reserve,’ by removing its 8-foot-tall, 3-mile-long barrier fence in Point Reyes National Seashore. The National Park Service recommends this fence be removed, but In Defense of Animals needs support to make this actually happen. We need your help to end the Tule elk’s suffering.”
Kaley Cuoco
Actress, on Tule elk freedom
“Elephants lead miserable lives in zoos, and larger exhibits won’t ease their suffering. These majestic animals don’t benefit in any way from being on public display. This list of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants is truly alarming, and I stand with In Defense of Animals against the captivity of elephants in zoos.”
Bill Maher
Comedian, actor, and television host, on exposing the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants, 2022
“No animal wants to live in a cage. No animal should have to. Elephants have feelings and emotions. They feel love and loss. If you want to see an elephant, go to where they live. Watch documentaries about them. Learn all there is to know. But to put them in cages just for your amusement? That’s dark shit. Join me and stand with In Defense of Animals against the captivity of elephants in zoos.”
Sarah Silverman
Comedian, actress, and writer, speaking out on In Defense of Animals’ 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants list
“No animal should ever have to suffer the way this sweet boy has suffered... The person or persons who did this must be found and held responsible... and the best way to make sure that happens is to share Argon’s story everywhere we can!”
Kim Basinger
Actress, bringing exposure to our work to get justice for Argon
“Point Reyes National Seashore has a historic opportunity, right now, to finally free its largest herd of rare, vulnerable Tule elk... Join me and In Defense of Animals and urge the National Park Service to finally remove the fence and end Tule elk suffering and dying.”
Lily Tomlin
Actress, comedian, writer and producer, on the Tule elk crisis at Point Reyes National Seashore
“As someone who, alongside my beloved late husband Elvis, always deeply cherished our dogs and strongly advocated for the well being of animals, it pains me deeply to witness the continued suffering and inhumane treatment of these innocent creatures within South Korea. So, if consideration for kindness was ever merited by an animal, they deserve more respect than to be killed to become food on our dinner table. This is why I strongly commend the introduction of a bill in the South Korean National Assembly to ban dog meat.”
Priscilla Presley
Actress and businesswoman, urging South Korea to end the dog meat trade
“I commend your National Assembly for their progressive bill to ban dog meat... I ask that South Korea seize this opportunity to end the dog meat trade once and for all and put an end to the horrific daily slaughter of 3,000 dogs. Your willingness to move forward is being recognized by the entire world.”
Katherine Heigl
Actress, speaking in a video message urging politicians to end South Korea’s dog meat trade
“I always felt bad seeing sad animals in zoos, but I had no idea that zoos cause brain damage to elephants. The list of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants is a shocking alarm call exposing how elephants are suffering and dying. Zoos fail to meet elephants’ unique needs because it’s impossible to replicate their natural living environments. I stand with In Defense of Animals against the captivity of elephants in zoos and call for all elephants on the 10 Worst Zoos list to be retired to accredited sanctuaries where they can live in peace, out of the public eye.”
Moby
Musician, on exposing the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants, 2021
“LA! Please help... oppose the transfer of the elephants to the Tulsa Zoo and request they be allowed to retire to a sanctuary.”
Alicia Silverstone
Actress, speaking up to prevent the transfer of Los Angeles Zoo elephants Billy and Tina to Tulsa and urging others to do the same to get them to sanctuary
“Aging elephants forced to live in zoos have suffered long enough. They deserve proper care and peace in their senior years — not to be on display for zoo crowds. In Defense of Animals’ 10 Worst Zoos list is alarming! I urge zoos to retire elephants to sanctuaries.”
Mayim Bialik
Actress, author and neuroscientist, calling for freedom for elephants from zoos
“It’s dishonest of zoos to spend millions on expansions claiming more room for elephants, only to crowd more in. In Defense of Animals’ list of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants helps expose the shocking truth of elephants suffering in captivity.”
Jorja Fox
Actress and producer, denouncing zoo elephant exhibits
“Keeping elephants in zoos is killing them prematurely. Confining enormous wild animals in exhibits thousands of times smaller than their natural range causes debilitating physical and mental harm and is literally deadly. Aging elephants deserve dignity and freedom, not a death sentence — I stand with In Defense of Animals and call on zoos to retire elephants to sanctuaries.”
James Roday Rodriguez
Actor, director, and screenwriter, calling for the release of elephants from the worst zoos
“As someone who deeply values kindness to animals, I urge King Charles to grant clemency to these innocent cows and send them to sanctuary.”
Evanna Lynch
Actress and activist, on farmed animal compassion
“I implore all Members of the South Korean National Assembly to support the bill that will ban dog meat once and for all in South Korea. I stand with In Defense of Animals’ Global Anti-Dog Meat Coalition.”
Mena Suvari
Actress, urging South Korean lawmakers to end the dog meat trade
“As someone who values animals and wants to protect the environment, I love the idea of including a charitable bequest in my will. This is a great way to ensure that your estate will go on to support animal rescue and advocacy for many years to come! I stand with In Defense of Animals against exploitation and cruelty, and hope others will consider helping animals through legacy giving.”
Peter Egan
Actor, on being a responsible animal guardian by making a will
“The Tule elk have suffered long enough behind a fence that protects business interests — not animals. We stand with In Defense of Animals in urging the National Park Service to remove the deadly fence and allow wild animals to roam free.”
Jane Wagner
Writer, director and producer, for Tule elk
“Elderly ponies and horses are being abused and neglected for entertainment, right in the heart of Los Angeles. It is beyond disheartening. Horses are highly intelligent, emotional, and sensitive beings that deserve to live and roam freely, not exploited for profit in the name of ‘fun.’ The conditions these animals are forced to work in are disturbing and unacceptable, and it is heartbreaking to see their very evident suffering. I urge you to please join me and stand with In Defense of Animals — demand that the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo be replaced with non-animal ‘entertainment,’ and send all of the animals to a sanctuary where they can be given a chance to live happily without suffering.”
Richa Moorjani
Actress, urging Los Angeles to end forced labor for geriatric ponies
“Bull elephants are massive, mighty animals who don’t belong in zoos. They need miles to roam, to forage, and the companionship of other males. In zoos, they lead lonely half-lives. I stand with In Defense of Animals and its mission to save male elephants, and all elephants, from lifetimes in captivity. It’s time for zoos to stop breeding and confining these majestic, wild beings and send them to sanctuaries.”
Harley Quinn Smith
Actor and musician, on supporting an end to elephants in zoos
“Imagine being trapped behind an 8-foot-tall fence, your freedom just out of reach. We have the power to change this. I’m working with In Defense of Animals to persuade the National Park Service to remove this deadly fence. Join us in this vital cause to liberate the Tule elk and restore their rightful home.”
“The elk deserve better than what they’re getting, so much better. They should be freed from all fences at Point Reyes... ranches pollute the park’s land, pollute their waterways, even the air we breathe. Ranches contribute to our climate crisis. Cattle and dairy businesses have no business being in this or any national park.”
“Brennan’s itself calls turtle racing the ‘world’s stupidest sport,’ but has been organizing these races for nearly half a century. It is time for Brennan’s to get smart and stop this cruel practice, which turtle experts agree is inhumane. There are many other forms of entertainment to offer that don’t involve harming animals.”
Alexandra Paul
Actress and activist, from a statement to free the Tule elk (Success!), more support for freeing the Tule elk, and freeing Brennan’s Bar’s racing turtles
“I’m appalled that roundups of wild horses are allowed to continue. Horses are terrified of the helicopters that indiscriminately force young, old, and pregnant horses to run for their lives. Many die in the process, including young foals. It’s physically torturous, stressful, and dangerous. Cattle and sheep ranchers are causing wild horses to be driven off public lands, and many will be shipped to horse slaughterhouses in Mexico or Canada. Stand with In Defense of Animals against this brutality and call for an end to wild horse roundups. There are better, more humane alternatives.”
Jann Arden
Singer-songwriter, on the mass roundups and slaughter of wild horses
“As a little girl, I was fascinated with them [Tule elk] and their beauty... I was heartbroken to see... they’re dying miserable deaths... Now the NPS supports a plan to shoot some of the Tule elk at the request of the ranchers, and I was outraged because if animals can’t be saved at a National Park, where can they be saved? The Tule elk are rare animals who deserve protection and not a bullet from the cattle ranchers.”
Bonnie-Jill Laflin
Sportscaster and former NBA scout, at a San Francisco rally for the Tule elk
“Being the voice of Michelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I love my reptile friends, so it breaks my heart to see turtles being raced. Turtles are sensitive animals who shouldn’t be subjected to shouts and screams at a crowded bar for entertainment. I stand with In Defense of Animals and urge Brennan’s Bar to stop the inhumane turtle races.”
Greg Cipes
Actor and musician, on saving turtles being abused for entertainment
“As Leonardo, the Leader of the Turtles in the first three original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, I am saddened to learn that fellow turtles are being so heartlessly exploited by forcing them to ‘perform’ in a loud and crowded bar. There’s got to be a better way for Brennan’s to generate profits that doesn’t include abusing vulnerable animals. Please tell Brennan’s you would like to see them find kinder ways to lure customers and retire these helpless turtles from racing.”
Brian Tochi
Actor, on saving turtles being abused for entertainment
“Zoos breed elephants into lives of impoverishment. Born as prisoners, treated as playthings and profit-drivers, they fade away without ever truly living. Baby elephants deserve lush wilderness, not confinement in tiny, barren enclosures for life. Stop the madness. I stand with In Defense of Animals to stop zoo breeding and free elephants to sanctuaries.”
Ignacia Fernández
Miss World Chile, on freeing elephants from zoos
