Portraits of Elderly Animals ~ by Photographer Isa Leshko

Artist statement by Isa Leshko
I am traveling to sanctuaries across the country to photograph animals that are elderly or at the end stage of their lives. I began this series after I spent a year caring for my mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. I am taking these pictures to gain a deeper understanding about what it means to be mortal and to exorcise my fears of aging. I have come to realize that these images are self-portraits, or at the very least, they are manifestations of my fears and hopes about what I will be like when I am old.

Phyllis, Southdown Sheep, Age 13

Capuchin Monkey, Age 30+




"Looking at mortality and aging, that's not easy subject material. Some of the subjects do seem sad and tired, some of them are downright defiant and stare down the camera. I think these images are testaments to survival and endurance, and finding meaning and joy in life in the face of physical limitations and challenges." ~ Leshko

Violet, Potbellied Pig, Age 12

 Handsome One, Thoroughbred Horse, Age 33

 Blue, Australian Kelpie, Age 19

 Pumpkin, Morgan Arabian Horse, Age 28

Kelly, Irish Wolfhound, Age 11