While Kate Mara has received numerous acting awards in primetime television (House of Cards for example) and blockbuster movies (such as Fantastic Four), in January she was recognized for her animal advocacy efforts off the screen.  The Animal Legal Defense Fund selected Kate as one of the honorees at its Justice for Animals Fundraiser.

Kate Mara grew up in Bedford NY, where she developed a deep love for animals.  During her teens she observed several trucks carting chickens to slaughter and realized that this animal cruelty was just to allow us to feed ourselves in a certain way.  She adopted a vegetarian diet soon after.  It was a health argument, from reading a book called The Beauty Detox, that convinced her to go vegan.  Her younger sister Rooney Mara had adopted a vegan lifestyle about two years earlier, so she had plenty of support in her decision.

Her first act of animal advocacy was sparked by the 2013 documentary, Blackfish, which revealed the animal abuse and tragic human accidents that were covered up by SeaWorld.  She reached out to the filmmaker and offered her support. Since then she has chosen to get involved with several different projects.  She makes an effort to keep up to date by surrounding herself with people who do a lot for animals. She credits the attorneys at the Animal Legal Defense Fund for giving her and other advocates the support needed to have the greatest impact.

Kate shares that being a mom of three young children has fueled her work as a defender of animals. 

“I find it empowering to choose the stories we tell them and how to make them aware [of what’s on their plate]. I wasn’t aware of what was put on my plate. It excites me to be able to raise my children in a way that is more honest,” she said.