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ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA TO SUPPORT CALL TO HALT BRUMBY CULL

IDENTITY PR

Key Facts:

• Award-winning filmmaker and equine advocate Ashley Avis, best known for directing Disney's *Black Beauty* (2020) and documentary *Wild Beauty: Mustang – Spirit of the West*, has travelled to Australia to speak out against the aerial culling of wild Brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Avis has joined forces with local photographer and Brumby advocate Kiki Sjoberg to document and amplify concerns about the culling programme, drawing parallels between the challenges facing Australia's Brumbies and America's wild Mustangs.
• Advocates are calling for an immediate halt to the aerial cull and an independent population count of the remaining horses, with many locals believing fewer than 1,000 Brumbies may remain in areas currently subject to culling operations.
• Supporters fear that without an independently verified population assessment, the cull could eradicate the last remaining Brumby mobs from parts of the Snowy Mountains, with Avis stressing the need for transparency and accurate data before irreversible decisions are made.
• During her visit, Avis will meet with advocates, photographers, horse trainers, and community members, arguing that the Brumbies are part of Australia's cultural heritage and deserve humane, science-based management solutions.

ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER ASHLEY AVIS ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA TO SUPPORT CALL TO HALT BRUMBY CULL

Black Beauty filmmaker is currently in Australia to speak out against the Brumby aerial cull

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Award-winning filmmaker, author and equine advocate Ashley Avis has arrived in Australia to lend her voice to growing calls for an immediate halt to the aerial culling of wild Brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park.

Best known for her acclaimed documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang – Spirit of the West, Avis has spent years documenting the plight of America’s wild horses and advocating for their protection. The film received widespread praise for its breathtaking cinematography and powerful storytelling, with critics applauding its exploration of the challenges surrounding wild horse management while celebrating the enduring bond between horses, people and the landscapes they call home.

Now, with global attention turning to Australia’s Brumbies, Avis has travelled to Australia to independently document and to help amplify this animal welfare crisis for the Brumbies. Avis will engage with local photographer and long-time Brumby advocate Kiki Sjoberg (@brumby_strong), whose powerful imagery and on-the-ground documentation have brought the reality of the Kosciuszko National Park Brumbies to audiences across Australia and around the world.

Photo Credit: Kiki Sjoberg @brumby_strong

After learning of the current aerial culling program, Avis personally reached out to Sjoberg to see how she could assist efforts to protect the iconic wild horses.

“The stories of America’s Mustangs and Australia’s Brumbies are separated by geography but united by many of the same challenges,” said Avis.

“Wild horses are deeply woven into the history, identity and spirit of the landscapes they inhabit. It is important that we continue to seek humane, science-based solutions that respect both conservation outcomes and the lives of these animals.”

As debate surrounding the Brumby cull intensifies, Avis is supporting calls from local advocates and community members for an immediate halt to the aerial culling and a request for an independent count of the remaining horses in Kosciuszko National Park.

Many locals who spend significant time in the park believe the number of Brumbies remaining may be substantially lower than official estimates, with some suggesting there could be fewer than 1,000 horses left in areas currently subject to culling operations.

Supporters fear that without an independently verified population assessment; the current cull could eradicate the last remaining Brumby mobs from parts of the Snowy Mountains.

“Before irreversible decisions are made, it is vital that we have an accurate understanding of the numbers and explore every available humane management option,” said Avis.

“There should be transparency around population estimates and confidence that decisions are being made using the most accurate information available.”

Sjoberg, who has spent years documenting the Brumbies of Kosciuszko National Park, welcomed the support.

“Ashley’s work has inspired people around the world to see wild horses differently,” said Sjoberg.

“Having someone of her international standing come to Australia and witness what is happening here sends a powerful message that people everywhere care about the future of these horses.”

For Avis, the issue extends beyond Australia.

Around the world, wild horse populations face increasing pressure, and she believes the fate of the Snowy Mountains Brumbies will resonate with people far beyond Australia’s borders.

“The Brumbies are part of Australia’s cultural story and deserve thoughtful, humane management,” she said.

During her visit, Avis will meet with advocates, photographers, horse trainers and community members while learning more about the challenges facing Australia’s wild horse populations.

“For Americans or Australians alike, who have the gift of wild horses on their landscapes, we must ask - what kind of legacy are we going to leave behind?” Avis concluded.

Ashley Avis is available for interviews during her time in Australia.

 

About us:

About Ashley Avis

Ashley Avis is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, author and internationally recognised equine advocate. She is best known for directing Disney's Black Beauty (2020), a contemporary reimagining of Anna Sewell's beloved classic, as well as the critically acclaimed documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang – Spirit of the West, which brought global attention to the plight of America's wild horses and the importance of preserving their place on the landscape.

A lifelong horsewoman and passionate advocate for wild horses, Avis has dedicated much of her career to telling stories that celebrate the bond between horses and humans while raising awareness of the challenges facing equine populations in the wild. Through her filmmaking, writing and advocacy, she has become one of the world's leading voices championing the protection of wild horses and promoting humane, science-based management solutions.

Contact details:

Karen Griffin

IDENTITY PR - [email protected] or 0412 855 923