Animal Sanctuaries: The Future We Imagine by Simone Scampoli from Capra Libera Tutti Sanctuary

Animal Sanctuaries: The Future We Imagine This talk explored the transformative role of animal sanctuaries in building a more just and compassionate future for both human and non-human animals. While the ultimate vision is a world in which sanctuaries are no longer needed because all animals are free from exploitation and suffering, the discussion highlighted why sanctuaries remain essential today as places of refuge, advocacy, education, and social change. Drawing on the experiences of Capra Libera Tutti Sanctuary, the talk examined how sanctuaries extend beyond providing care for rescued animals. They serve as living examples of respectful human–animal relationships, offering opportunities to encounter animals as individuals with their own agency and intrinsic value. The presentation emphasized the educational and ethical significance of these spaces in fostering empathy, critical reflection, and mutual respect. The presentation also explored the sanctuary as a site of broader social transformation, bringing together animal advocacy with movements for environmental sustainability and social justice. Through conferences, community engagement, and collaboration with marginalized groups and environmental activists, sanctuaries can help build solidarity across movements challenging interconnected forms of oppression. Ultimately, the talk invited participants to reimagine the concept of sanctuary as one that encompasses both human and non-human animals, envisioning a future grounded in justice, coexistence, and liberation for all. About the Speaker Simone Scampoli is a passionate animal liberation activist with years of experience in street activism, nonviolent direct actions, and advocating for animal rights. His journey began in 2015 while living in Berlin, where he got involved with various groups and organizations, offering his time and energy in whatever way he could, all while balancing other life commitments. Over time, his dedication deepened, and in 2018, he joined an international animal rights organization. This opportunity proved transformative, giving him the chance to grow as a global campaigner and action coordinator. He developed crucial skills, received impactful training, and learned innovative approaches to advocating for animal, climate, and social justice. Today, Simone is fully immersed in the mission of Capra Libera Tutti Sanctuary, where he works alongside his committed team to provide a safe and loving home for around 500 refugee animals. These animals, freed from exploitation, now thrive in an environment of care and respect. The sanctuary is more than just a refuge—it serves as a vibrant hub for advocacy. Through guided tours, events, and ongoing outreach, Simone and his team inspire others to make compassionate, ethical choices and strive to create a more just world for all living beings. Their vision for an expanded sanctuary seeks to challenge societal norms, promoting a future where both human and non-human animals can coexist in harmony, free from oppression. In a world often divided by injustice, sanctuaries like Capra Libera Tutti offer powerful examples of resistance and hope for a better, more inclusive society. Simone’s journey has brought him closer to the animal sanctuary community, where he continues to embody the values of nonviolence and solidarity in the ongoing fight for animal and total liberation.