Okay Deprem (Turkey), journalist, political scientist, public figure:
"I was born into the family of a well-known veterinarian in Turkey. In the 80s, my father worked at Istanbul University in a specialized department as an associate professor. Then he became the head of the Veterinary department of the Istanbul Municipality. And later he founded one of the first private clinics in Turkey. Of course, at home I was also always surrounded by pets — dogs, cats, parrots, turtles and fish.
Since I spent part of my childhood in veterinary clinics (and even now, after many years, I can identify the symptoms of many diseases of dogs and cats), of course, all my friends and acquaintances were sure that I would follow in my father's footsteps and continue the dynasty. But life turned out differently — I became an international journalist. Nevertheless, i carried a special attitude towards my younger brothers through my whole life."
The offer to join the jury of the world's only animal award was unexpected. Like greetings from my childhood and adolescence. I immediately realized that the stars had just come together: journalism and love for my younger brothers had finally crossed paths in my life.