ANIMALS
The Beauty Of Growing Old: A Photographer’s Perspective
“Allowed to Grow Old,” by the University of Chicago Press, is a powerful exploration by photographer Isa Leshko. Originally inspired by her fear of aging, the project evolved as she visited animal sanctuaries, becoming an advocate for senior farm animals. Leshko captures their essence using natural light, emphasizing their resilience after suffering abuse. The project includes elderly companion animals, urging reflection on disparate treatment. Through poignant portraits, Leshko invites contemplation on the value of allowing these animals to gracefully age.
More info: isaleshko.com | Instagram | Facebook | twitter.com
This rooster, age unknown, was a factory farm survivor
Bored Panda reached out to Isa Leshko to delve into her project, “Allowed to Grow Old.” Inspired by her experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, she began the series to confront her fear of aging. However, meeting rescued farm animals shifted her focus. Now, Leshko passionately advocates for these animals, using her images to amplify their stories.
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Handsome One, a Thoroughbred horse, age 33, was surrendered to a sanctuary when he retired from racing
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Pumpkin, a Morgan/Arabian crossbreed, age 28, was surrendered to a sanctuary after her guardian could no longer care for her
Isa shared the genesis of “Allowed to Grow Old” when asked about the inception of the project: “In 2008, I encountered Petey, an elderly Appaloosa horse who became the catalyst for my exploration into capturing the essence of aging animals. That autumn, I visited Winslow Farm, a sanctuary located approximately 2 hours from my residence in Salem, MA. Throughout that fall, I made numerous trips to the sanctuary, uncertain whether I would eventually unveil these images to the public due to their deeply personal nature. As the weather turned colder, my enthusiasm waned. Confronting the images I had captured proved challenging, as they starkly mirrored the raw emotions of grief and fear within me. Consequently, I refrained from editing or printing the initial set of negatives, leaving them untouched for about a year.”
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Ash, a Broad Breasted White turkey was a factory farm survivor
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Kelly, an Irish Wolfhound, age 11, was adopted from a breeder after giving birth to her final litter
In the fall of 2009, gearing up for Photo NOLA—an annual portfolio review in New Orleans—I decided to include Winslow Farm images. Reviewers were unexpectedly enthusiastic, some even moved to tears. Encouraged, I attended three more reviews in early 2010, receiving consistent positive feedback. Recognizing the potential for a long-term project, I spent the summer researching farm sanctuaries and exploring art on aging, portraiture, and animals. The project took shape with new images in the fall of 2010.
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Phyllis, a Southdown sheep, age 13, was farmed for wool for the first eight years of her life before being surrendered to a sanctuary
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Sierra, a White Holland turkey, age 3, was rescued as a young poult from a commercial hatchery that supplies turkeys to factory farms
Having discovered that Petey, the elderly Appaloosa horse, catalyzed embarking on a photography journey focused on elderly animals, we were curious about the inaugural subjects of the “Allowed to Grow Old” project. Isa recounts the tale featured in the book: “During my initial visit to Winslow Farm, I encountered Zebulon and Isaiah, two Finnsheep afflicted with severe arthritis, spending the majority of their days peacefully napping side by side. I came across them reclining in a barn doorway, their faces basking in the gentle September sunlight. Approaching cautiously, unsure of their reaction, I found them undisturbed. Taking a measured approach, I slowly descended to the ground, capturing their gaze directly through my lens while photographing them. This method felt instinctive, and I continued to employ it throughout the entirety of the project.”
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Red, a mixed breed rescue dog, age 14+, in foster hospice care
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Abe, an Alpine goat, age 21, was surrendered to a sanctuary after his guardian entered an assisted living facility
The captivating images from this transformative project resonate deeply with almost everyone, eliciting powerful emotions such as tears and prompting people worldwide to share their personal stories. Isa Leshko, the talented photographer behind these evocative captures, warmly acknowledges her work’s profound emotional impact. While she is genuinely grateful for the outpouring of love and support, she reflects on the bittersweet nature of some encounters, particularly those that unfolded during her period of mourning for her parents.
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Blue, an Embden goose, age 28, whose rescue details are unknown
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Babs, a donkey, age 24
When asked about the profound lessons embedded in this project, Isa elaborated on the invaluable insights gained. She shared, “Immersing myself in the world of farm animals who’ve defied all odds to embrace old age has shifted my perspective on aging from a perceived curse to a remarkable luxury. Although the uncertainty of the future still evokes fear, I aspire to confront my eventual decline with the same stoicism and grace exhibited by the animals in these photographs.”
Isa’s journey, marked by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and subsequent orthopedic challenges, has cultivated a compassionate and resilient spirit. Living with chronic pain has uniquely positioned her to empathize with, rather than pity, the elderly animals she portrays. The lengths she goes to capture these moments are evident in her description of countless hours spent in barnyards, covered in mud, sweat, and occasionally mites. The physical toll is palpable, with muscles and joints aching from the contortions necessary to photograph these subjects at eye level.
In Isa’s words, “By day’s end, I often feel as weathered as the animals I encounter, sharing in their experiences of aging.” The portraits, therefore, not only celebrate the enduring spirit of her subjects but also serve as a testament to Isa’s resilience and dedication to her craft.
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Bessie, a Holstein cow, age 20, was repeatedly impregnated during the first four years of her life spent as a “milker” on a commercial dairy farm
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Buddy, an Appaloosa horse, age 28, was surrendered to a sanctuary when his guardians could not properly care for him after he lost his sight
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Forest, a sheep, age 16, roamed free with a herd on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of California
Image credits: Isa Leshko
Violet, a potbellied pig, age 12, was born with her rear legs partially paralyzed, Violet was surrendered to a sanctuary because her guardian could not properly care for her special needs
Image credits: Isa Leshko
