April 19, 2012
Every week, we explore celebrities and how they give back to the environment. This week, in honor of Earth Day and our celebration all month long, we will list a few out of the many celebs who give back to our planet. Each week, we’ll focus on a particular factor affecting the environment and this week we recognize stars that support and protect animals.
1. Anjelica Huston
The legendary Anjelica Huston, who can now be seen showing off her brilliant acting skills on NBC’s “Smash,” is loved for her talents. Did you know she is also idolized for respecting animals and ensuring their protection? Just this year, Huston reached out to New York City and requested a ban on carriage horses. “It’s surprising to me that a city known for its progressive spirit still allows this cruel and dangerous tourist trap,” she said. In addition to saving horses, she recently spoke out about using animals in entertainment. Huston stated she will not work if animals are mistreated on set. She surely does love animals.
2. Bob Barker
Come on down Bob Barker! The highly recognized former game show host is known for saying “have your pets spayed or neutered” while hosting “The Price Is Right,” but his animal activism doesn’t stop there. From helping rescued wolf dogs to taking a stand against animal testing, the 88-year-old never ceases when it comes to animals. This past March he paid $880,000 for a private plane to fly three elephants from the Toronto Zoo to the Performing Animals Welfare Society in California. In regards to these creatures he said, “[Elephants] have suffered so much for so long and now they have an opportunity to live the rest of their lives at what has been described as ‘elephant paradise.’ To think that one of them might not survive the trip in a truck touched my heart and purse strings.”
3. Ian Somerhalder
The sultry Ian Somerhalder can be seen every week on “The Vampire Diaries” where he plays the dark, but loveable vampire Damon Salvatore. Even though his character kills and drinks blood to survive, Somerhalder is far from his role in real life. Through his organization, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, he strives to “empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.” Most recently, he plans to build a sanctuary for animals with behavioral problems, where he will not only help animals, but will start a program for human bullies to “work through their issues” by interacting with these animals. Furthermore, in 2011 he went before Congress and spoke about species conservation and this year he was awarded the prestigious Wyler award at the Genesis Awards, which comes as no surprise.
4. Katherine Heigl
Blonde bombshell Katherine Heigl can be known for causing controversy with her opinions, but her viewpoints can benefit others, especially animals. She is very passionate about protecting animals and this year made headlines for her efforts. Heigl teamed up with Funny or Die creating a hilarious video on why she loves neutering and hates testicles. In addition, she supports animal adoption. In a piece she blogged for iVillage’s CelebVillage series she said, “We can help, we can make a difference, we can change the outcome for millions of voiceless, innocent creatures who have done nothing more to deserve their outcome than be the product of a neglectful society.” Animals and adoption are a huge part of who Heigl is and her family. She has an adopted sister and an adopted daughter, Naleigh.
5. Ke$ha
Chart topping singer Ke$ha isn’t only admired for her outspoken songs and outfits, but also for her animal activism. As the first global ambassador for the Humane Society International, she has urged the protection of street dogs and against seal clubbing. Through organizations and her songs she strives to save all animals. “One of the main underlying sentiments of my music is to respect all living creatures just as they are,” Ke$ha said. Besides just working with animal groups, she also is designing her own faux fur clothing line. She herself only wears fake fur, so now others can wear cruelty-free clothing by their favorite singer. Her work with animals must have inspired her!
Stay tuned all month long and see how Hollywood embraces and respects the environment through fashion, animals, climate change and sustainable building materials.
-Allyson Koerner
Photo Credit: Flickr/David Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons/laksge, Wikimedia Commons/Ema Martins, Wikimedia Commons/lukeford.net, Wikimedia Commons/ Arne Müseler /arne-mueseler.de
