Working Animals International photography series puts working animals in the spotlight

WORKING Animals International has published a new photography series, Impossible to overlook, to showcase the essential and often unrecognised role of working animals around the world.  

The photography series profiles the work of photographers: Harsha Vadlamani in India, Maheder Haileselassie in Ethiopia, Charmaine Chitate in Zimbabwe, and Abdellah Azizi and Badr in Morocco.

Horses, donkeys, mules, camels and other working animals are the quiet, driving force behind countless communities. These animals provide transport to markets, schools and hospitals. They also help people earn a living, enabling millions around the world to feed themselves and their families.

‘Impossible to overlook’ showcases a journey across four countries, including Morocco, as depicted in the images above. Local photographer, Badr, captures camels at their stations on the outskirts of Marrakech, pictured left. Abdellah’s photos depict mules on the steep paths of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, where they help transport goods and luggage for tourists.

Abderahim, a mule owner pictured in the centre, said:

“The mule plays a great role in a household. We use the mule in agriculture, for land work, and to bring sand. It (the mule) plays a great role in our lives. It’s what keeps things moving in the mountains.”

Harsha’s powerful images from India demonstrate how camels haul sand from the Banas River in Rajasthan (picture above).

They also carry loads at brick kilns, pictured left, while oxen plough fields for farmers in Odisha, pictured right.

Harsha Vadlamani said: 

“Photographing animals in their working roles and meeting the people whose lives are bound to theirs was profoundly moving. Working Animals International invites people to witness their reality and recognise the vital role these animals play.”

The images illustrate the challenging conditions in which working animals live and work and the importance of their welfare. Depicting global working animal welfare charity Working Animals International and its local partners providing essential veterinary treatment, as well as training for communities to develop the skills needed to care for their working animals, alongside education to ensure the next generation can do the same.

Linda Edwards, Chief Executive at Working Animals International, said:  

“Working animals support the livelihoods of millions of people around the world – yet their contribution is too often unseen. Impossible to overlook brings these animals and their owners into focus.”

The photography series coincides with the launch of the charity’s new brand, including a new name. Working Animals International is the new name for SPANA.

Linda added: 

“It’s more important than ever that our work and the working animals we support are visible. Our new name and brand reflect not only the scale of our work, but our determination to create lasting change, so that working animals everywhere are valued, protected, and never overlooked again.”

The free exhibition was held at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden, London, from 22 to 26 April.

Theo Georghiades, Commercial Director, Imaging Solutions, from Fujifilm, said: 

“This exhibition beautifully demonstrates the power of photography to tell meaningful stories. The portraits of working animals in Marrakech were captured on the FUJIFILM X-H2, the images showcase exceptional detail, colour and depth, bringing each moment to life. It’s a compelling example of how our products can elevate visual storytelling.”