Hollywood actor and animal rights activist Patricia Rooney Mara recently penned a heartfelt note describing her feelings about becoming a new mom. Mara is the partner of leading Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix, and the duo embraced parenthood last year. They have named their son River after Phoenix’s late brother who died in 1993.
Mara stated that motherhood has made her “more determined than ever” to help create a “kinder and more sustainable world”. Framing an open letter in partnership with animal protection organisation Farm Sanctuary, Mara celebrated her very first Mother’s Day addressing all mothers of the animal kingdom.
Other than being a remarkable actor, Mara is a staunch animal rights activist and encourages cruelty-free means of living. Being a committed vegan for more than a decade, Mara emphasises on sustainable living.
Expressing her emotions, she wrote, “Raising our baby, River, has opened my heart to a whole new life filled with hope and more determination than ever to create a kinder and more sustainable world. I feel so fortunate to be able to nurture my son in all of the ways that nature intended, and I wish all mothers in the animal kingdom could experience that sacred maternal bond with their young, devoid of exploitation by humans.”
Rooney highlighted three “extraordinary” animals who “survived dire circumstances, healed from their traumas, and graciously share their affection with others” against all odds.
She concluded by writing, “A Mother’s Day adoption is a gift that keeps giving and supports the wellness of wonderful Sanctuary moms like Henrietta turkey, Jackie cow, and Cynthia goat. As I celebrate my first Mother’s Day, I hope you will join me in honouring all of the inspiring moms and maternal figures who’ve made a difference in your life. With love, Rooney Mara.”
Mara is the co-founder of a high-end vegan fashion line Hiraeth. The Mary Magdalene actress also led National Animal Rights Day alongside Phoenix in a summer demonstration in 2019.
By collaborating with the anti-animal cruelty organisation Animal Equality, she released a documentary titled With My Own Eyes, exposing the inhumane conditions of animal slaughterhouses and the atrocities committed on animals in farm factories.
Her dedication to saving animals from diabolical conditions persuaded her to investigate factory farms with her own eyes. After analysing the horrifying conditions at the farm herself, she exclaimed, “I can’t imagine how awful it must be to be literally trapped and crushing your own babies and not be able to do anything about it.”
Her passionate letter is a reminder to humanity that all forms of motherhood ought to be celebrated and cherished worldwide.
