July 24, 2008 - Nigel Barker, world-renowned photographer and judge on "America's Next Top Model," will exhibit his photographs and a documentary, which provide an intimate look at the lives of baby harp seals targeted by the annual Canadian commercial seal hunt. Barker took the images earlier this year when he joined The Humane Society of the United States' ProtectSeals team days before the hunt was set to begin and again during the seal kill.
Through his exhibit, Barker hopes to educate the public about the brutal seal hunt, the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet, and increase appreciation for these creatures. His photographs from the seal nursery capture the beauty and innocence of being on the ice with these gentle animals.
"This exhibit is a celebration of the seals' lives, what they are, and their transformation during their short life. I want to bring a spotlight to show people what they look like, right up until they die, so people realize what we are losing," Barker said.
"This exhibit beautifully captures the miracle on ice that occurs each spring on the coast of Atlantic Canada," commented Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "These baby seals and their mothers just wanted to be left alone in this open-air nursery, but people with selfish and cruel intentions execute the mass slaughter of these helpless creatures. I am forever grateful to Nigel and his team for their dedication in exposing this ruthless slaughter."
The event runs from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. each day at 401 Projects, 401 West Street, New York. Barker will lead group tours of the photographs on the hours of 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. While the documentary does contain some graphic footage, the photos in the exhibit only celebrate the beauty of the seals and their environment.
Facts:
* More than one million baby seals have been killed in the past four years for their fur.
* Baby seals can be hunted once their white coat is shed, which can be as early as 12 days.
* For more information on the HSUS' work to end Canada's seal hunt, please visit humanesociety.org/protectseals.
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