Marianne Bessey
 

A Nebraska native, Marianne Bessey has enjoyed the company of many animals, including cats, dogs, mice, fish, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and birds, since her childhood. Having parents who grew up on farms, Marianne met several cows during her childhood that left strong impressions, initiating her deep connection with farm animals. Her Vegan lifestyle is a testament to her commitment to these animals today as part of the stand she takes against their suffering.

Marianne adopted a Pekingese mix named Bojo who accompanied her when she made the big move to Philadelphia to attend college. Bojo was the first of many canines to share her bed!

After eight years of education and ten years as a practicing attorney, Marianne aimed her talents in the direction of animal welfare. Her legal background has enabled her to effectively voice her concerns and raise awareness of animal abuse generally, as well as intervening in numerous cruelty situations.

Among other issues, Marianne tirelessly educates the public about the problems relating to: Philadelphia’s carriage horses, the Lancaster puppy mills, the breeding of exotic birds for the pet trade, and the horrors of traveling rodeos and small circuses. In addition, she can be found protesting every Ringling Brothers show when the circus is in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

One of Marianne’s most high-profile campaigns was launched in 2005 when she focused on the living situation of the four elephants confined in the Philadelphia Zoo. She held weekly outreach events in front of the zoo to educate the public about the condition of the elephants and to encourage the zoo to move them into sanctuaries. In 2007, the campaign led to a wonderful result for Dulary, the zoo’s Asian elephant: Dulary was moved to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The others were not so lucky. Marianne’s efforts persist today as Kallie and Bette, the zoo’s two African elephants, were shipped to a breeding-holding facility in Central Pennsylvania, where they are currently warehoused in a cement barn and 3 acre pen. Petal, the zoo’s third African elephant, never had the opportunity to live outside of confinement as she died in 2008 after collapsing in the cement barn one night.

Marianne has also taken her activism abroad. In 1996 she travelled to Africa as a volunteer with Earthwatch in an effort to protect Zimbabwe’s black rhinos. She was able to see first-hand the natural lives that wild animals experience, making her a strong advocate for the captive population suffering created in numerous communities, often solely for human entertainment.

Marianne’s dedication to animals and her determination to educate the public makes her an ideal presenter for 22reasons’ seminars. Her experiences, both locally and abroad, provide her with insights which promote critical thinking in those who have never taken the time to focus on such issues. We are thrilled she has joined our mission and we are grateful for her time!
 

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