FAQ

OSTA, the “Organization for the Spiritual Treatment of Animals“, is dedicated to serving animals and people through a combination of material and spiritual initiatives.

• We serve animals, promote a sustainable community, and strengthen the bond between humans and animals.
• Love, respect, and integrity form our core values. These principles guide both our internal and external relationships.
• We place great importance on financial transparency, balancing our dedication to animals with practical strategies and solid financial planning.
• The beluga whale is our “Animal Spirit“, symbolizing nuanced communication, adaptability, and community living.
• OSTA symbols: the “Lotus Flower” (transition from darkness to light), the “Caduceus” (connecting power of communication), the “Heart” (unconditional love), and the “Arrow” (our responsibility to stand up for animals).

Visit the ‘About Us’ section on our website for more insight into our values.

OSTA, a Brussels-based organization founded by Jennifer Duvillers as Chief Animal Officer, aims to build a diverse team with members who have a strong connection with animals and are competent in their fields.

Our advisory board combines idealism, pragmatism, and financial insight. With members such as Geert Creemers, Franciska Devloo, Nuala Harnett, Ji Li, Anne Sevellec, and Jingjing Wu, we have a wide range of expertise – from project development and digital strategies to academic knowledge, public relations, and technology. They combine practical skills with ethical and spiritual perspectives on animals.

OSTA is looking for new team members to realize our vision and strengthen our team. Interested? Click the “Join” button at the top right of our website. We are also open to collaboration with consultants and experts who can support our operations.

In 2024-2025, we will deepen our understanding of animal populations in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, and expand the OSTA community with individuals, communities, and organizations. Our objectives:

• Better understanding of animals: we gain more insight into animal populations in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia and organize events aimed at better understanding these populations.
• Increase OSTA’s visibility: Participation in festivals and events, maintaining an online presence, and building relationships with interested individuals and organizations in the field.
• Building a supportive OSTA community: Strengthening the collective power of the OSTA community by seeking and finding like-minded people.
• Building a strong foundation: strengthening the OSTA brand, implementing an effective marketing and communication strategy, and developing sustainable financial strategies.
• Establishing new partnerships: Identifying and collaborating with organizations that share OSTA’s mission.

These objectives, as well as the long-term vision, were discussed during OSTA’s inaugural meeting. A summary can be found under the “News” tab on the website, titled: “Laying the Foundation: OSTA’s First Advisory Council on May 1, 2024”.

OSTA’s three pillars focus on supporting animals, supporting people, and developing activities that strengthen the bond between humans and animals:

• Serving Animals: OSTA strives to support animal lives through a holistic approach that encompasses both material and spiritual aspects. We embody and represent animals.
• A sustainable OSTA community: We build a sustainable community of people with strong connections to animals, working together on projects and sharing skills to serve animals in the best possible way.
• Strengthening human-animal relationships: OSTA organizes events at animal locations so that a deeper bond between humans and animals can develop.

For a detailed explanation of our objectives and implementation strategies, visit the “Our Mission and Vision” section under the “Who We Are” tab on the website.

We are building a sustainable community for animals, based on mutual support, collaboration and trust. Become an active member of the OSTA community:

• Stay informed through our newsletter – sign up using the form at the bottom of the page.
• Participate in projects that improve animals’ lives.
• Use your talents to help animals or request support for your own animal initiatives.
• Become a member and get more closely involved with our community.
• Strengthen our team and work together more intensively.
• Support us with a financial contribution.

Discover more opportunities via the “Join” button in the navigation bar above.

The Animal Landscape is our central platform for exploration, focused on embodying and representing animals. This concept consists of four essential components: Animal Charter, Animal Horizons, Animal Atlas, and Animal Expeditions.

• Animal Charter: The OSTA Charter describes what animals need from humans. These ten core points form the foundation of our activities.
• Animal Horizons: In our Animal Horizons initiative, we map animal populations, identify welfare factors, and investigate challenges for animals.
• Animal Atlas: The Animal Atlas provides an overview of the animal kingdom, with insights from science, ethics, policy, and spirituality.
• Animal Expeditions: We highlight animal initiatives with high ethical and spiritual standards that strive for a better human-animal relationship.

Do you have any questions or comments? Get in touch with us! You can reach us via:

• The contact form in the ‘Contact us’ section of our website
• Email: info@osta.be

We look forward to hearing from you.