Anthony Hopkins celebrates International Cat Day by posing with an adorable kitten as he fundraises for animal rescue in Morocco
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Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins used his platform for good on Thursday as he encouraged his more than 5.2 million Instagram followers to adopt not shop.
While celebrating International Cat Day, the 86-year-old actor, best known for his role as cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, posed with an adorable Calico kitten in his arms.
The two-time Academy Award winner tagged Help Adopt Moroccan Animals, a non-profit organization devoted to finding loving homes for the homeless animals of Marrakech, to promote animal rescue.
'Sir @anthonyhopkins advocating for our shelter on International Cat Day. Such an honour,' Adopt Moroccan Animals wrote on their Instagram account while reposting the star's slideshow. 'Thank you so much.'
The shelter, based in Marrakech, provides at-risk street animals with 'a place of safety' and care, according to their website.
Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins used his platform for good on Thursday as he encouraged his more than 5.2 million Instagram followers to adopt not shop
At the moment, the rescue revealed they have '200 animals that rely on' them for 'all of their needs' and are struggling 'without any state funding.'
Hopkins previously adopted his beloved cat, Niblo, from Budapest back in 2009.
After 13 years of companionship, Niblo passed away in 2022.
While making the announcement on Facebook, Hopkins said Niblo would 'forever' be in his heart.
Back in 2019 during a chat with Brad Pitt for Interview magazine, he reflected on finding the meaning of life in his cat.
'I was driving around Venice the other day, and I thought, "It’s all a dream. What a struggle it all is. It’s all an illusion, but it’s the glory of life, the sheer glory of looking for it in everything." And I’ve become aware of that now, more than ever. It’s in there. It’s in my cat, it’s in my dog, it’s in you,' he explained.
The actor continued: 'How could it be otherwise? I watch my cat jumping to a little pinch on the fireplace. Now, he can’t write a book, he doesn’t know anything about philosophy or mathematics. But how the hell does he do that? That is totally awe-inspiring.'
In June, Hopkins and his wife Stella Arroyave, 67, stepped up to support another nonprofit that helps rescue animals.
Paws of War, which helps reconnect American soldiers with the animals they rescued during their deployments, confirmed Hopkins' recent support significantly helped them fulfill their mission.
While celebrating International Cat Day, the 86-year-old actor, best known for his role as cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, posed with an adorable Calico kitten in his arms
The two-time Academy Award winner tagged Help Adopt Moroccan Animals, a non-profit organization devoted to finding loving homes for the homeless animals of Marrakech, to promote animal rescue
'Sir @anthonyhopkins advocating for our shelter on International Cat Day. Such an honour,' Adopt Moroccan Animals wrote on their Instagram account while reposting the star's slideshow. 'Thank you so much'
According to People, 'Hopkins' support allowed three urgent Paws of War missions running out of funding to move forward.'
The organization also noted to the outlet that 'Hopkins' assistance allowed the nonprofit to help U.S. Army Specialist Dillon reunite with the starving puppy he saved while deployed.'
Additionally, U.S. Army Specialist Jackson was able to adopt the dog she rescued and Captain Holas brought back a kitten that he nursed back to health while on duty.
In a statement, obtained by the outlet, Hopkins said: 'Being able to help support each of these missions is an honor.'
'We love animals and want to do all we can to support the great work that Paws of War is doing for our military members. My wife and I are happy to be supporting such positive outcomes,' he continued.
Robert Misseri, a co-founder of Paws of War, said he was 'delighted to have Anthony and Stella Hopkins helping to support these life-changing missions for our military members.'
'Animals in conflict zones face a daily struggle to survive and sadly often die from starvation or are killed through abuse or one of the many dangers they face in a hostile environment, and soldiers are regularly the first to show them kindness and provide them with food,' Misseri continued.
The shelter, based in Marrakech, provides at-risk street animals with 'a place of safety' and care, according to their website
