This week, we received the sad news that David Reuben, one of our most generous and committed supporters, has passed away after a long illness.
David was a dedicated animal advocate who supported many efforts. He was passionate about elephants and was a longtime supporter of the Performing Animals Welfare Society and the executive producer of the beautiful 2012 documentary How I Became an Elephant about the ongoing movement to save Asian elephants.
He gave a better life to donkeys in India and to dogs in rural North Carolina through his gifts to PETA. He championed the cause of animals in biomedical research and spay-neuter clinics around the globe. He initiated clerkship programs for young animal attorneys, helping to create the burgeoning field of animal law. And so much more. Wherever there was a need, he was there.
David had a deep concern for whales and dolphins who are confined at entertainment parks. He played a key role in the work of the Whale Sanctuary Project and was one of our most generous and committed donors.
I will miss our conversations and the world will miss an exemplary animal advocate.
Rest in peace, David.
Dr. Lori Marino.