Photographs of Elderly Animals by Isa Leshko

Photographer Isa Leshko is travelling across the United States visiting sanctuaries to photograph animals that are elderly or at the end stage of their lives. Leshko has been especially drawn toward photographing farm animals because they typically do not live out their natural life spans. She was intrigued to observe animals that actually reached a geriatric age and started photographing them. Leshko plans to photograph a wide range of species, both wild and domesticated as the series progresses.

Writes the photographer:

I began the series as a means of exploring my feelings about my mother’s decline due to Alzheimer’s Disease. As I’ve worked on this project, though, I’ve come to realize that these images are a testament to survival and endurance. And they raise questions about what it means to be elderly.

Blue, Australian Kelpie, Age 19,

Embden Goose, Age 28.

Kelly, Irish Wolfhound, Age 11

Red, Chow Mix, Age 14+

Rooster, Age Unknown

Handsome One, Thoroughbred Horse, Age 33

Teresa, Yorkshire Pig, Age 13

Pumpkin, Morgan Arabian Horse, Age 28

Finn Sheep, Both Age 12

Marino, Bronze Turkey, Age 5