Perfect vs. Possible
How Perfectionism Can Stand in the Way of Saving Animals
Caring for animals - whether in a sanctuary, a vet clinic, or on the street - isn’t just compassion, it’s a form of direct action. Yet in the fight for animal liberation, perfectionism can be both a driving force for better care and a barrier to timely intervention. This panel brings together seasoned rescuers, veterinary professionals, and new voices in animal care to explore how to provide the best possible outcomes for animals without letting the fear of mistakes stop us from acting. Together, we’ll unpack the tension between “perfect” and “good enough,” share practical strategies for improving care standards, and show how every act of care, big or small, can be a step toward liberation.
Panelists:
Shakira Free
Veterinary Nurse, Animal Rights Campaigner and Rescuer
(she/her)
@shakirafree
About: Shakira is a veterinary nurse with over 15 years of experience, a passionate campaigner, and a dedicated rescuer. She provides one-on-one rehabilitation care for a wide range of species and is an international speaker on animal rights issues. Shakira runs the pet shop campaign against wild animals as pets, is a Fear Free Certified handler, and is a member of the Progressive Veterinary Association. She is also a convicted animal rescuer who won her professional hearing and still works tirelessly to influence high standards of care for all animals through her social media and new consultancy company, Animal Rights Care Consultancy.
Adelle Louise
Care and Rescue Advisor and Spay/Neuter Project Coordinator
(she/they)
Instagram:
@travelanimalrescue
Facebook:
@travelanimalrescue
About: After many years involved in the animal rights movement across outreach, supporting sanctuaries, and running spay/neuter projects in 6 countries, I focus on regionally-relevant and culturally-sensitive animal rights projects that effectively prevent animal suffering before it’s even created, and capacity-building for sanctuaries that already exist. I provide technical advisory and hands-on education on improving the quality of care and efficiency of animal rescue work. My current direct action is spay/neuter care for free-roaming felines.
Valentina Crast
Activist, Advocate and Sanctuary Caretaker
(she/her)
@val_ripple
About: Valentina has a long and impressive history of activism. She has led systematic campaigns for chinchillas, cats, dogs, and foxes, taken up the fight against Netflix for killing a pig in their production, fought to introduce vegan food in kindergartens, and also runs an animal sanctuary and rescues animals, finding new homes for them. She has also done political work like running for EU parliament.
Kikki
Vet Nurse Student and Pigeon Rescuer
(she/her)
@vegan.kikki
About: Kikki is an animal rights activist, who while fighting for total liberation is focusing on working more directly with animal care. She is currently studying to become a vet nurse, and has for the past year been rescuing and rehabilitating street pigeons in Copenhagen.
