13 years of advocacy: Ester on finding purpose

This year marks World Animal Protection’s 75th anniversary—and we’re celebrating the people whose passion powers our mission. Ester has spent 13 of those years advocating for animals across the globe, bringing a fierce sense of purpose to every campaign and emergency response effort she’s been part of.

Ester reflects on the turning points that shaped her work, the impact of mindset change and the future she dreams of for animals in Canada and beyond.

What inspired you to join World Animal Protection and what has kept you motivated to keep working for animals for 10+ years?  

Ester: I wanted to be part of something that truly makes a difference. From the start, I saw how deeply connected humans, animals and the planet are and how much impact we can have when we work to protect that bond.  

I still remember my first days, meeting people who were so passionate, kind and determined to change the world for animals. Their energy was contagious. Over the years, that sense of purpose has only grown. Being part of a team fighting for animals has been inspiring and it’s changed my life.  

What’s one campaign or moment you’ll never forget?  

Ester: It wasn’t exactly a campaign moment, but it was a defining one for me. During my first trip to Brazil, I was working as Emergency Response Network Manager, supporting local organizations as wildfires, fueled by the agro industry, tore through the forests.  

I still remember the thick, smoky air, the endless stretch of burned land and the unsettling silence, so little life left where there once was a thriving ecosystem. It was absolutely heartbreaking to witness the home of so many wild animals reduced to ash.  

But that moment also lit a fire in me. It gave me a deeper understanding of why our campaigns matter so much. It’s a reminder of why we should be holding companies like JBS accountable, because behind the profits, there’s real, irreversible harm and suffering.  

What do you think is our biggest win for animals over the years?  

Ester: One of the biggest wins has been helping people and companies see animals differently, not as products or entertainment, but as living, sentient beings.  

I’ve seen that shift happen in real time. Like when we worked to end bear bile farming, something once accepted, now widely rejected because people started to understand the pain behind it. Or when big tourism companies changed their policies after realizing wild animals don’t belong in chains or shows, but in the wild where they’re free.  

That mindset change is powerful. It’s at the heart of every impact we’ve made and it’s what keeps the momentum going.  

What advice would you give to someone new to animal advocacy and protection?  

Ester: Your voice truly matters, especially in animal protection, where we speak up for those who can’t. I’ve seen how even the smallest actions can create ripples. You take one step, and suddenly someone else is walking beside you.  

That’s how change begins, with one voice, one action. And that voice could be yours. Don’t wait to be an expert, just start. The animals need all of us. 

What’s your hope for animal protection in Canada over the next 10 years?

Ester: In the next 10 years, I hope Canada becomes a true leader in protecting animals.  

I imagine a country where farm animals are no longer kept in tiny cages, and where strong laws make sure they’re treated with care. Where wild animals aren’t taken from their homes to be sold, because we’ve put real systems in place to stop trafficking.  

And I hope walking into a school or any public place means seeing delicious plant-based meals that are better for animals, people, and the planet.  
To me, it all comes down to kindness, honesty, and taking action. That’s the future I dream of for animals in Canada.  

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

Ester: I’d choose a jaguar. It’s fast, strong, and moves with quiet confidence, but it’s also so much more than that.  

In Costa Rica, where I’m from, the jaguar is a powerful symbol. For many Indigenous communities, it stands for courage, protection, and a deep connection to nature. It reminds us of the wild, untamed spirit of the forest and the balance we must keep between people and the natural world.  

🐆

As we celebrate 75 years of moving the world to protect animals, it’s voices like Ester’s that remind us of the power of perseverance, compassion and community. Her 13-year journey is part of a much larger story – one written by staff, supporters and advocates like you.

Thank you for being part of this legacy and here’s to the next chapter in creating a better world for animals.