Famous Voices for Animals

Leonardo DiCaprio

When most people think of Leonardo DiCaprio, they think of his good looks and his talent as an actor. But DiCaprio is also a dedicated animal activist, who has worked with many organizations to protect wildlife. Recently DiCaprio worked with the WWF and Avaaz to get signatures for a petition to the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to ban the ivory trade. Thanks to DiCaprio and many other activists, the petition got 1.5 millions signatures, and Prime Minister Shinawatra pledged to end elephant poaching. According to the WWF, Thailand to the largest unregulated ivory market in the world, and tens of thousands of elephants are poached each year for their ivory. DiCaprio is involved in the WWF campaign “Hands Off My Parts” campaign, that raises awareness on the amount of animals killed for their body parts. The campaign reports the demand for ivory is high in China, and people purchase it for decoration, as well as for medical purposes. DiCaprio has been active in other campaigns as well. In 1998 the actor launched the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which works to protect sharks, and the animals in the artic. To keep up with his latest work, go to DiCaprio’s Facebook.


Ke$ha

Pop singer Ke$ha has also done remarkable work for animals. Later this month at The Humane Society of the United States Genesis AwardsGala, Ke$ha will be awarded the Wyler Award. This award is given to a celebrity who increases awareness of animal issues via the media. The pop icon has frequently spoken out about animal cruelty, and promotes kindness to animals. Ke$ha is also the Humane Society International’s first global ambassador for animals. Even in her early days of fame Ke$ha was involved in animal advocacy. In 2011, she teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for their “Save the Seals” campaign. Each month the singer highlights an animal issue on her website. By taking action and being a face for animals, Ke$ha is a an important voice for the animals.

Russell Simmons 
Hip hip icon Russell Simmons is also a huge supporter of animal rights. Simmons has been vegan since 1998, and encourages others to cut meat out of their diet. The hip hop legend has done a lot of work with PETA, and the organization named him the 2011 Person of the Year. He received this award as a result of his hard work, including writing a letter to KFC’s CEO, urging him to improve conditions for the chickens. Simmons also has his own vegan clothing line, Argylecultre. Simmons also works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and participated in a PSA for the organization. Having Simmons be a voice for animals has helped others realize the importance of speaking up for animals and treating all animals with compassion.


Who are some of your favorite famous animal advocates? Leave a comment below!