Three times a day, this orang-utan steps from its cage into the limelight, dressed in a costume to accompany a clown. Behind the applause, a darker world exists for animals forced to perform. ‘I try to give dignity to these badly treated sentient beings,’ Britta says. ‘I want my photography to give them a voice.’
Bornean orang-utans are endangered. Many are captured from the wild for the illegal pet trade and sadly some end up on stage performing, like this orang-utan at Chimelong International Circus in China. Audiences are often unaware of the level of cruelty these animals face – enduring brutal training, neglect and abuse.
Germany/UK
Britta has won numerous international awards and works with authorities, charities and environmental organisations to document crimes against wildlife and nature. Her images are published worldwide in magazines, newspapers and books and exhibited in galleries and museums. When not on assignment, Britta is busy speaking at photo festivals or conservation events with large, international audiences.
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