Tanya has a deep love for animals. Born 38 years ago in Yekaterinburg, Russia—a city known for its harsh Siberian climate—Tanya grew up witnessing the struggles of stray cats and dogs.
From a young age, the sight of these animals suffering and freezing on the streets deeply moved her. This early exposure to their plight ignited her lifelong commitment to helping and protecting animals in need. Tanya’s empathy and dedication are truly inspiring, as she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of countless animals.
Tanya, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Speak the truth, expose the cruelty, and set an example of true humanity
Tanya Zinurova
My name is Tanya, I’m 38 years old, and I was born in Yekaterinburg, Russia—a city in Siberia where it’s incredibly cold all year round. From a young age, I had a deep love for animals. In my city, and throughout the country, there was a huge problem with stray cats and dogs. Seeing them suffer and freeze to death on the streets was heartbreaking for me.
How did you start helping animals, and what led you to veganism?
Knowing the truth, I have no right to rest and remain silent
Tanya Zinurova
When I was 14, I came up with an idea to help stray dogs by collecting leftover food from kindergartens. I noticed that the food children didn’t eat was being thrown away, so I offered to take it and feed the stray dogs. This initiative allowed me to help many animals without spending all my money, which I had been doing before.
I would go to the kindergarten every day, collect large bags of food, and feed the dogs in the forest. I even set up a small shelter for dogs with no external help. When I was 19, after cleaning the shelter with a friend, she asked me a question that changed my life: “You help animals, but why do you eat others?” This was 20 years ago, when we had no internet or access to the kind of information people have today. Her words made me rethink my choices, and I immediately stopped eating animals.
What was it like being a vegetarian in Russia at that time?
Back then, there were no meat alternatives in Russia, but I didn’t need them. I thrived on a plant-based diet and never missed the taste of meat. When I looked at a plate of meat, all I could see was the corpse of a tortured animal. Animals are the most innocent and kindest beings on Earth, and it is utterly unjust to treat them with such cruelty. Becoming a vegetarian was the first step, but it wasn’t the last.
How did you transition from vegetarianism to veganism?
Behind the walls of slaughterhouses lies hell. Animals suffer, cry, and die in agony, and no one hears them
Tanya Zinurova
Eight years ago, I encountered the Cube of Truth on the street, which was a revelation for me. Despite being an animal rights activist and vegetarian for over a decade, I was ashamed to realize that I was still contributing to animal suffering by consuming dairy and eggs.
The Cube of Truth volunteers showed me the horrors of the dairy and egg industries, and I immediately became vegan. Since then, I’ve been organizing the Cube of Truth in Las Vegas, where I have lived for the past eight years. I’m a full-time animal rights activist, dedicating my life to educating others about the importance of veganism.
What challenges do you face in promoting veganism, and how do you overcome them?
How many more innocent creatures have to go through this hell before we wake up?
Tanya Zinurova
Nowadays, finding vegan food is incredibly easy, no matter where you are in the world. There are so many resources and information available that there’s really no excuse for not being informed. The biggest challenge is combating ignorance and the reluctance to change. I always emphasize that veganism is not just a diet—it’s a lifestyle and a commitment to ending the exploitation of animals.
What advice would you give to people who are considering switching to a vegan lifestyle?
Every situation, every conversation is a chance to advocate for animals and expose the cruelty that they face
Tanya Zinurova
First and foremost, understand that veganism is not just about what you eat. It’s about refusing to participate in the exploitation and suffering of animals. There is an abundance of information and resources available today. Educate yourself, watch documentaries, and read about the impacts of animal agriculture. Most importantly, stop consuming animal products. It’s easier than ever to find delicious and nutritious plant-based foods.
Do you have any recommendations for vegan food or restaurants?
I live in Las Vegas, which, to my surprise, is a very vegan-friendly city with around 30 vegan restaurants. My favorite is Tarantino’s Vegan, an Italian restaurant that reminds me of Russian cuisine. The owners and staff are wonderful people who are committed to providing amazing vegan food.
How has veganism impacted your health and well-being?
I believe that many modern illnesses are linked to consuming animal products. As I always say, “We kill animals, and they kill us in return.” People get sick and die because of what they eat. By choosing a vegan lifestyle, I feel healthier and more connected to my values of compassion and kindness.
Let’s spread the word and help protect these innocent animals!
Tanya Zinurova
Promoting veganism and animal welfare is more than a mission; it’s a necessity for creating a better world. We need to speak the truth, expose the cruelty, and lead by example. Only then can we make meaningful changes another build a more just and compassionate society.
Tanya Zinurova
🇷🇺Ekaterinburg ✈️🇨🇾Cyprus ✈️🇺🇸San Francisco✈️
all images courtesy of Tanya Zinurova