Step into a world where cows are not just farm animals but complex individuals with profound emotions and social lives. Photographer Mark Peters‘ compelling book, “Voices of the Herd: Portraits of Rescued Cows and Their Sanctuary Stories,” unveils a decade of intimate portraits and narratives that are redefining how we perceive these gentle giants. His work, born from personal encounters, aims to spark empathy and foster a deeper understanding of these sentient beings, moving them from anonymous commodities to cherished companions.
For too long, cows have been viewed primarily as commodities, their individuality and emotional depth largely overlooked. However, a groundbreaking new photography book, “Voices of the Herd: Portraits of Rescued Cows and Their Sanctuary Stories,” by Mark Peters, aims to change this perception entirely. This decade-long project captures the unique personalities, complex emotions, and profound social bonds of rescued cows, inviting viewers to see them through a compassionate lens.
A Decade of Dedication: Capturing the Soul of the Herd
The genesis of Mark Peters’ profound work can be traced back to a deeply personal encounter. During a weekend visit to Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY, a young steer named Alexander approached Peters and embraced him with an affectionate lick, much like a loving dog. This moment profoundly shifted Peters’ perspective, planting the seeds for what would become his life’s mission: to document the emotional lives of rescued cows.
Peters’ photographic approach is one of quiet immersion and patient trust-building. He spends time among the herds in farmed animal sanctuaries, introducing himself to each cow as he would a new friend. His photographs are always taken from eye level or below, a deliberate choice to honor their dignity and unique presence. This method allows for genuine moments of curiosity, playfulness, affection, and protective care to unfold naturally, revealing the intricate tapestry of their personalities.
From Commodity to Companion: The Stories That Resonate
Each portrait in “Voices of the Herd” is accompanied by a heartfelt story from sanctuary staff, detailing the individual cow’s journey to rescue and their subsequent flourishing. These narratives underscore the resilience and unique character of each animal, transforming them from statistics into sentient beings worthy of respect:
- Juliet (Jersey) and her friend Clifford were found chained to a tree on a backyard farm with no shelter, highlighting the neglect many farm animals face before finding refuge.
- Mikey (Holstein), destined for slaughter from a petting zoo, was saved when a caring worker bought his freedom after he suffered a back injury.
- Pepper (British White) endured repeated forced impregnation, with each of her calves taken away. She finally found sanctuary alongside her last calf, Truffles, a testament to the enduring mother-child bond.
- Edison (Holstein) and his best friend Eddie were rescued in a horrifying state of neglect, starved and burned from lying in waste, and now thrive at the sanctuary.
- Petey (Brown Swiss) was abandoned but given a second chance at life through rescue.
- Gretchen and Nova (Longhorns) represent the power of companionship, finding comfort in each other after experiencing a cattle ranch and an extreme cruelty case, respectively.
- Vincent van Moo (Hereford) survived being mauled by dogs as a calf, losing one ear and nearly another, inspiring tenderness with his remarkable resilience.
- Another cow named Nova was among forty cows found starving in a field surrounded by deceased friends. Her struggle to trust humans after such trauma speaks volumes about their emotional depth.
- Maple (Jersey), after seven years as a dairy cow, was deemed “spent.” Her arrival at the sanctuary brought a miracle: the birth of her calf, Grayson, named after her rescuer.
- Richie and Romeo (Jersey) were rescued from a farm where they were left hungry and neglected. Now best friends, they explore acres of grassland and offer each other constant comfort.
These individual stories resonate deeply with the experiences shared by many in the animal welfare community. For instance, the blind cow Helen, adopted by a rescue sanctuary after 19 years on a dairy farm, demonstrates the specialized and loving care given to animals with unique needs. Her caregivers ensure she navigates her new environment comfortably, providing new scents, sounds, and social interaction, which speaks to the deep consideration required to enrich the lives of animals often overlooked.
Emotional Intelligence and Social Bonds: What Cows Can Teach Us
Peters’ immersive approach has allowed him to observe behaviors that challenge conventional wisdom about cows. He notes that they are “excitable, playful, affectionate and endlessly curious.” They communicate through subtle vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions, with their ears, tails, and even the whites of their eyes conveying their emotional state—whether relaxed, alert, or stressed.
Much like gorillas, elephants, or dolphins, cows exhibit complex social structures and emotional intelligence:
- They form strong friendships and often have “best friends.”
- Mothers are fiercely protective of their calves, acting as “helicopter parents” who constantly check on their precious young.
- Cows demonstrate care for weaker members of their group. In one sanctuary, a blind calf was guided by other cows who circled back and nudged her in the correct direction.
- They grieve over lost loved ones, showcasing a depth of emotion often attributed only to pets or humans.
Beyond their complex social lives, Peters also highlights their remarkable tranquility. He describes cows chewing their cud as entering a meditative state, a peaceful presence that many humans aspire to. They respond to kindness without expectation, offering a unique connection that is both simple and profound.
Shifting Perspectives: The Impact of “Voices of the Herd”
Published by Lantern Publishing & Media, “Voices of the Herd” is more than just a photography book; it’s a powerful tool in a broader movement to reshape societal views on farmed animals. By presenting cows as unique, emotionally rich individuals, Peters’ work aligns with the mission of sanctuaries, activists, and advocates striving for a world where animals are valued for their inherent worth, not their productivity. The book is available through online bookstores and further information can be found on the publisher’s website, lanternpm.org.
The book deliberately avoids graphic images, opting instead to foster a connection with these animals. As Mark Peters explains on his official website, markpetersphotography.com, the goal is to make it harder for people to “look the other way” once they realize cows experience joy, grief, and love, much like the cherished pets in their own homes. Whether it inspires a reduction in animal product consumption, a visit to a farmed animal sanctuary, or advocacy for animal rights, the book is a significant contribution to fostering empathy and driving change.
This initiative underscores a growing awareness within the fan community and beyond: animals, particularly those we traditionally see as livestock, possess complex inner lives. Through Peters’ lens, the cows of “Voices of the Herd” stand as eloquent ambassadors for their kind, urging us to reconsider our relationship with the animal world and recognize the inherent value of every life.
