Skip to content

You are using an outdated browser

Internet Explorer is not supported by this site and Microsfot has stopped releasing updates, therefore you may encounter issues whilst visiting this site and we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser for modern web functionality, a better user experience and improved security.

Upgrade my browser

How sharing stock photos can help raise awareness for animal welfare

6 min read

Inspiring People
How sharing stock photos can help raise awareness for animal welfare
Source: Pexels/IFAW

Free image library Pexels are teaming up with the International Fund for Animal Welfare to raise awareness about IFAW’s important mission through a community photo challenge.

Using photography to Spread the Message: “Every Animal Matters”

With everything going on in the world right now, animal welfare isn’t often a top news item. That’s precisely why the International Fund for Animal Welfare is so important. Working in more than 40 countries all around the world, the IFAW rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals, working with teams of experts and everyday people to restore and protect natural habitats. Raising awareness about their work, and the serious need to support animals at risk, is a crucial part of the IFAW’s efforts. That’s why you can now find a collection of photos of their team at work for free download in the Pexels library. Community photo challenge details below.

From dolphins being released back into the water to a veterinarian treating a sick koala, these authentic images show what it's like to work with the animals who need IFAW’s help, in a range of locations across the globe.
The images can all be downloaded and used for any project. From dolphins being released back into the water to a veterinarian treating a sick koala, these authentic images show what it’s like to work with the animals who need IFAW’s help, in a range of locations across the globe. Source: Pexels/IFAW

Why does sharing photos matter?

Pexels spoke to Stacie Paxton Cobos of IFAW to learn more about the work they do, why photography is an important part of it, and how photographers can get involved:

Pexels: Could you share the story behind the photos on your Pexels profile?

Stacie: The photos on our Pexels profile show our work in action. You’ll see koalas, wombat joeys, and wallabies rescued from the devastating Australian bushfires. You’ll find dolphins rescued and released back into the wild. And images from IFAW’s all-female ranger team in Africa protecting their heritage wildlife from poaching. We believe that every animal matters, and you’ll see that reflected in our work.

In your opinion, how can sharing stock photos like these help raise awareness for animal welfare?

IFAW believes that every animal, as a part of a larger species and as an individual, has intrinsic value. Sharing the visual story of just one animal connects it to the narrative of our larger goal: to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals into secure habitats — all over the world. If viewing these images compels just one person to learn more about IFAW and join us in our mission to create a world for animals and people to thrive, that’s success.

How can photographers also help raise awareness around this important issue?

Everyone has a platform, and I’m thankful for anyone who uses their platform for good. Photographers harness a power to communicate emotions rather than facts, and oftentimes it’s those emotions that move people to act. At IFAW, we depend on support to effect change — whether it’s through donations, signing online pledges, spreading awareness, or volunteering — without support, our work wouldn’t be possible.

If there are photographers who are keen to raise more awareness about issues impacting animals, people, and the place we call home, they can get in touch with Stacie’s team at info@ifaw.org.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about IFAW?

IFAW’s work doesn’t stop because it can’t. During economic crises, natural disasters, political and social unrest, and the current global pandemic — animals depend on human protection. Our work is often the difference between life and death.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, IFAW has not only continued our work but increased efforts in many areas. For example, rangers across continents saw increased poaching incidences due to the drop in tourism, so IFAW added support so they could continue the lifesaving work that keeps elephants and other animals safe.

Covid-19 has offered a unique opportunity to highlight the connection between illegal wildlife trade and human wellness — a core tenet of IFAW’s ideology.

Because we take a holistic approach to every issue, we work on every aspect of wildlife trade. We work within the public and private sector to raise awareness, we work with global leadership to create and pass legislation, we support wildlife law enforcement officials and judiciary institutions, we execute behavior change campaigns to reduce demand, and we activate the power of the collective.

Learn more about how you can help the IFAW’s efforts to protect animals all over the world at their website.

— Stacie Paxton Cobos, IFAW. “At IFAW, we depend on support to effect change—without support, our work wouldn't be possible.
“Photographers harness a power to communicate emotions rather than facts, and oftentimes it’s those emotions that move people to act.” — Stacie Paxton Cobos, IFAW. “At IFAW, we depend on support to effect change—without support, our work wouldn’t be possible.” Source: Pexels/IFAW
The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. They are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and also restore and protect their natural habitats.
About IFAW: The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. They are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and also restore and protect their natural habitats. Source: Pexels/IFAW

Photo Challenge: A Better Future for Animals

The Cause.

For 50 years, IFAW has been working toward their goal of helping animals and people thrive together, through animal welfare initiatives all over the world. Raising awareness is a key part of their mission, and photography is one of the best ways to do just that. With images that show how much animal health and welfare matters, IFAW’s crucial message can travel even further.

Your Challenge.

Whether it’s the animals who live in your neighborhood, the pets who you call family, or wildlife you encounter on a nature trip, this challenge is all about photographing the animals around you. Document natural habitats through photo or video, or get creative recording the daily life of your cat or dog. 

Prizes.

All winners will also have their photos printed and displayed in Pexels’ upcoming live Earth Day photo exhibits, taking place in major cities around the world. More details to come!

  • 🏆 1st place = $1,000
  • 2nd place = $500
  • 3rd place = $500
  • Runners up = Select runners up will have their photos displayed in IFAW’s Earth Day exhibitions
Sharing your photography on Pexels means helping creative people all over the world find inspiration and tell their own stories—from non-profits to educators, artists, and photographers like you. Over 15 million people turn to Pexels every month in search of photos and videos. We want those images to bring positive change to the world.
Why Share Your Photo On Pexels? Sharing your photography on Pexels means helping creative people all over the world find inspiration and tell their own stories—from non-profits to educators, artists, and photographers like you. Over 15 million people turn to Pexels every month in search of photos and videos. We want those images to bring positive change to the world. Source: Pexels/IFAW
Pexels for Change Challenges highlight and support world-changing organizations and their important causes with photos and videos donated by the Pexels community. Every Challenge for Change supports an organization working to make the world we live in a better place. All imagery submitted will be available on Pexels for all to use and continue to make positive change.
What is Pexels For Change? Pexels for Change Challenges highlight and support world-changing organizations and their important causes with photos and videos donated by the Pexels community. Every Challenge for Change supports an organization working to make the world we live in a better place. All imagery submitted will be available on Pexels for all to use and continue to make positive change. Source: Pexels/IFAW
Since 1969, IFAW has provided hands-on assistance to and protection of animals in need, and global leadership on pressing issues impacting their health, well-being and survival.
IFAW’s impact: Since 1969, IFAW has provided hands-on assistance to and protection of animals in need, and global leadership on pressing issues impacting their health, well-being and survival. Source: Pexels/IFAW
275,598 animals rescued, treated and sheltered from 2000-2018. The number of natural and human-caused disasters are only increasing – and so are the dangers.
IFAW teams search the Australian Bush for koalas and other wildlife affected by fires. 275,598 animals rescued, treated and sheltered from 2000-2018. The number of natural and human-caused disasters are only increasing – and so are the dangers. Source: Pexels/IFAW
As Stacie Paxton Cobos, the non-profit's VP of Brand Marketing and Communications puts it, their goal is
IFAW attend to a Joey rescued from Australia’s devastating bush fires. As Stacie Paxton Cobos, the non-profit’s VP of Brand Marketing and Communications puts it, their goal is “helping animals and people thrive together.” Source: Pexels/IFAW
Make an Impact

PEXELS IFAW PHOTO CHALLENGE: A BETTER FUTURE FOR ANIMALS

Whether it’s the animals who live in your neighborhood, the pets who you call family, or wildlife you encounter on a nature trip, this challenge is all about photographing the animals around you. Document natural habitats through photo or video, or get creative recording the daily life of your cat or dog. All winners will also have their photos printed and displayed in our upcoming live Earth Day photo exhibits, taking place in major cities around the world. Click for more.