There is no greater gift than to be gifted as Stephen was and use that gift to express compassion for others who are not able to advocate for themselves. May your memories and your mourning bring you comfort.
Although I did not know Steven Wise I learned about him when I became an animal rights activist and I had the deepest respect for him. Tragic loss to the animal rights world and for every animal living I'm slavery. Rest in peace amazing man...
I met Stephen only a couple of times, but was, and remain, a great admirer of his contribution to animal rights law. He was a genuine pioneer, and it is my hope that legal standing for nonhuman animals in the United States will come about in my lifetime, if sadly not in his. On behalf of the Culture & Animals Foundation, we extend you our deepest condolences. Martin Rowe, Executive Director
I did not know him personally, but I followed his cause. The work he did will someday help bring an end to elephants, chimpanzees and other animals in captive situations. Only then will they be able to occupy 'THEIR BEST LIVES EVER!"
May Steve's family, friends, and colleagues find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and changed. I met Steve many years ago, circa 1989/1990 in Somerville, MA, at CEASE, an animal welfare organization where I was volunteering. He was working on a legal case for them at the time. That was the only time our paths crossed, and I always remembered how kind he was. Fast forward to a few years ago, I googled his name and found the Nonhuman Rights Project. It was amazing to see him still doing the work he was committed to when I met him all those years ago in a basement office in Somerville. Thank you, Steve, for giving all you had in you to save others from suffering. Rest easy.
Steve, we will miss you. I only met you once but it was a true honor to introduce you to my children and tell them about your work, your life's purpose, and the good fight for animals. You were so kind and present...I salute you and the life you lived.
I am so sad to hear that Steven M. Wise has passed away. His book Rattling the Cage shifted my perception and point of view on Non Human rights under the law. He did so much for this cause. He had so much more to contribute.
I never met him, but I feel this loss, as must everyone in the animal rights community. A great advocate has passed, and the animals have lost a valuable, heartfelt ally. I am in awe of Steven's works and only hope I can someday have such a positive impact on the future of animal advocacy and the movement toward the acknowledgement and protection of the rights of the animals themselves.
What a wonderful human being he was! I am so sorry the world has lost him but very grateful for his compassion, activism and wisdom, and for his creation of an organization that is carrying on the work he started. Thank you, Mr. Wise.
I am very sorry to hear the news of Steven's passing. To me animal welfare is my #1 charitable giving priority. I am glad to hear it was his passion as well. I have made a donation in his name and hope his replacement has the same passion to carry on his work.
My deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless lives he has touched and inspired through his relentless dedication and passion protecting all innocent non-human life on this planet. You’ve inspired me deeply, Steve, and I know that wherever you’ve ascended…you will be embraced with all the love and magic the Universe has for you . You will be missed but your torch shall be carried forth and your mission will be realized one day soon. Thank you thank you thank you…LOVE LOVE LOVE.
I am very sorry to hear about the death of Steven Wise. We have lost a creative spirit, a defender of animals across all boundaries, a writer and lecturer who was always brilliant, sharp and intelligent. His life is an inspiration to all of us who pursue the same ideals that he helped to establish in Animal Law. For years he was a professor of the Master in Animal Law and Society in Barcelona that I managed. A professor whose lectures I never missed. Every year they were different and intellectually stimulating. The students loved him very much. He also knew how to find time to share with them a moment in front of a glass of sangria and make them talk and enjoy. Steve had a very attractive, multi-faceted personality. He was an honest man and he knew how to be a friend. His loss leaves us, his friends, devastated. We will follow the paths he opened.
I remember Steve from VLS, where I also taught. A few years ago I had the pleasure of introducing him at Bookstock in Woodstock VT. I was and remain an admirer of Steve and of the passion he brought to his work. Nonhumans and humans are grateful for everything that he was. My condolences to Steve’s family.
Very few people have genuinely had an impact on the future arc of the law in the world. Steve Wise was one of those people. Godspeed Steve. And rest peacefully that others will carry on the work that you began. The world owes you a great deal for your contributions.
I was terrified of animals until I was in my early 50s. But then I met a golden retriever who turned that around. Since then, I have become highly sensitized to the plight of animals around the world.
Steven Wise became one of my heroes.
On behalf of all animals, everywhere, I want to thank Steven's family and everyone at the Nonhuman Rights Project for the incredible work they have done.
I'm so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. He had a heart of gold and all that he did will stand the test of time -- and countless nonhumans will thank him for all he did!
I only knew of Steven through the media and feel so sorry for those who knew him well and will miss his physical presence. I am also grateful for his dedication and the tremendous influence he had on the animal rights movement and the huge impact of his life's work. We are all lucky that he was here to share his wisdom and passion and work to improve the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.