Juror’s Statement: Traer Scott

I often say that animals make me human. I am eternally captivated and inspired by the beauty, honesty and intelligence found in all corners of the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, as we humans become a bigger, louder and more pervasive animal, many other species are suffering in countless ways. However even as our planet and the animals that inhabit it are perhaps at the peak of crisis, I also believe that as a society, we are at an apex of collective consciousness and compassion.

I was heartened to see so many submissions examining and exploring the relationships we have with animals, celebrating their amazing adaptations and abilities as well as in some cases, their pure and visceral “animal-ness”. My selections for Animalia are images that evoke curiosity, sadness, discomfort, wonder, humor and awe, all of which are emotions that I regularly feel when contemplating the beauty and fragility of the animals that we share our planet with.

Online Gallery: Garrett (a Leonberger puppy)