My commitment to animals—especially farmed animals—runs deep and has been part of me for as long as I can remember. After a successful career in the for-profit sector, I knew I needed to devote my life to working directly for animals. That calling led me to serve as Vice President of Mercy for Animals in Canada, where I first heard about a little pig named Esther.
At the time, Esther was believed to be a mini-pig who had been rescued by her dad, Steve Jenkins. Steve and I connected, and from the very beginning, we became fast friends. Not long after, I was invited to join as a founding board member of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary—the home Esther shared with her dads. I served as the board president for six years, and during that time, I witnessed the magic of sanctuary life first-hand.
I saw the joy and peace that sanctuaries can bring to animals and people alike. But I also came to understand the incredible challenges that sanctuaries face—financial, emotional, and operational. At Happily Ever Esther, we were spared many of the financial hardships that other sanctuaries endure because Esther was not only beloved—she was a world-renowned social media sensation. She became a New York Times best-selling author, inspired children’s books, and built a wonderful, global community of supporters who shared our commitment to peace and love.
Since Esther’s passing, Steve and I have talked many times about how to best honour her memory and continue her commitment to living an “Esther-approved” lifestyle. After many heartfelt discussions over many months, Operation Angels was born.
Operation Angels is our way of carrying forward Esther’s legacy—not only by telling her story but by ensuring that sanctuaries everywhere have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. In doing so, we hope to spread the same love, compassion, and joy that Esther brought to the world, one sanctuary at a time.
Always for the Animals,
Krista
