Paper short abstract:

I explore the knowledge that emerges from the relationships developed between rescued farm animals and the activists that take care of them as well as the complexity of the encounter between ethology and veterinary knowledge on the one hand, and knowledge gained by the activists, on the other.

Paper long abstract:

This lecture explores the knowledge that emerges from the relationships and shared learning between animals rescued from idustrial farming, and the activists that take care of them. Based on my research on farm animal sanctuaries in Israel, I consider of the encouter between ethology and veterinary knowledge on the one hand, and knowledge gained by the activists through their daily care work, on the other. This complexity of knowledge, sometimes complementary, sometimes competing, offers a unique perspective on knowledge production in multi-species ethnography, encompassing theoretical, analytical, and practical dimensions while also considering the moral implications of its application. In Israel, there are more than ten sanctuaries which provide loving home for rescued animals, previously subjected to labor or exploitation in the food, wool, and leather industries. The animal care teams, attach great importance to the professional opinion of veterinarians they work with. In addition, the activists make an effort to learn the available ethological knowledge about the animals to provide more sensitive care. But many find in the daily care work that the veterinary and ethological knowledge is often insufficient. There are often value gaps between this type of knowledge and the knowledge accumulated from the daily care work, sometimes causing a clash of values forcing the activists to face moral dilemmas and struggle with deciding how best to take care of the animals. Following these findings, I will consider the implications of this work for the future of multi-species ethnography.