Photography series puts working animals in the spotlight
By Abigail Payne-Humphries
27 April 2026: 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 at top of article) and 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 adds:
“It’s more important than ever that our work and the working animals we support are visible. Our new name and brand reflects 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.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Media contact
Ally McLaren, Communications and Media Officer, Ally.McLaren@workinganimals.org / +44 (0)20 7831 3999
About Working Animals International
For over a century, Working Animals International has been dedicated to transforming the lives of working animals and supporting the people who depend on them. We work with partners worldwide to increase access to essential veterinary treatment and campaign for better welfare standards. We support owners as they develop the knowledge and skills to look after their animals with confidence and care – while inspiring the next generation to do the same. Together, we’re building a world where working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.
About Fujifilm in Europe
Fujifilm operates over 50 group companies and branches in Europe and employs more than 6000 people engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service, with FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, located in Ratingen, Germany, operating as the strategic headquarters for the region. Throughout Europe, Fujifilm entities serve a range of industries including medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, electronic materials, industrial products, chemicals, graphic systems, optical devices, data storage and all aspects of photography. Over the last 20 years, the company has more intensively focused on healthcare – from diagnosis to prevention and treatment. Today, Fujifilm in Europe provides the entire spectrum of patient care, in addition to research, development and manufacturing in advanced therapies, gene therapies and vaccines, as well as providing cell culture media and regenerative medicine solutions. For more information, please visit: fujifilm.com
