Origins & Early Life

Ingrid Elizabeth Newkirk (née Ward; born June 11, 1949) is a British and American animal rights activist, author and the co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organization. Newkirk founded PETA in March 1980 with fellow animal rights activist Alex Pacheco. They came to public attention in 1981, during what became known as the Silver Spring monkeys case, when Pacheco photographed 17 macaque monkeys being experimented on inside the Institute of Behavioral Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. The case led to the first police raid in the United States on an animal research laboratory and to an amendment in 1985 to the Animal Welfare Act.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Since then, Newkirk has led campaigns to stop the use of animals in crash tests, convinced companies to stop testing cosmetics on animals, organized undercover investigations that have led to government sanctions against companies, universities, and entertainers who use animals. Newkirk has been criticized for her support of actions carried out in the name of the Animal Liberation Front. Newkirk and PETA have also been criticized for euthanizing many of the animals taken into PETA's shelters...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Alan Menken — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Amadeo Giannini — Contemporary (Died in 1949) (1949): Pioneering American banker who founded the Bank of Italy and influenced modern finance.
• Anna Akhmatova — Shared historical date (06-11 · Born) (1889): A seminal Russian poet whose work chronicled the trauma of the Soviet era.
• Ben Jonson — Shared historical date (06-11 · Born) (1572): Master dramatist of the English Renaissance, known for satire and comedy of humours.
• Andy Kaufman — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Ann Druyan — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Pioneering producer communicating science through documentary film and literature.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Abigail Spencer — Historical peer (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949
• June 11 (06-11) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 11