The legacy of Mary Ann McKee
The McKee Project is dedicated to honoring the work of Mary Ann McKee, who tirelessly championed the rights of animals and inspired a new consciousness about animal welfare and the environment in anyone with whom she came in contact.
Towards the end of her life Mary Ann McKee spent considerable amounts of time in Africa, worrying that humans would for ever damage the beauty and grace of the continent’s natural environment.
“Humans are so cruel to one another; I cannot change that. But I can make a difference for the animals.”
Mary Ann McKee.
As one of the first supporters of the then new organization PETA, McKee was very outspoken in denouncing the horrors perpetrated against animals by the fur industry.
Growing up I spent countless hours in Mary Ann’s home visiting with the many animals that had found sanctuary there and decided that, one day, I too would help make a difference.
Christine Crawford,
Founder of the McKee Project.
The McKee Project is also in memory of others who championed the rights of animals:
- Linda McCartney, who was way ahead of her time in promoting animal rights;
- Perry Fina, co-founder of McKee’s spay and neutering surgery training program for veterinarians;
- Dietrich von Haugwitz, who supported McKee’s vision with a bequest
Mary Ann McKee's legacy lives on in future generations of animal advocates:
Greta Marie Herbst volunteering her time helping puppies in South Africa.