Born to Defend Animals: PETA Founder to Mark Birthday With Vegan Ice Cream Giveaway in DC
For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2026
Contact:
Andrew Grant 202-483-7382
On Thursday, PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk will celebrate her 77th birthday as only she would: by parking PETA’s fun “I Scream” truck on the National Mall, encouraging adults and children alike to have a blast screaming for free vegan ice cream—and make her birthday wish come true by trying vegan. Those who stop by can enjoy delicious dairy-free treats—all while learning how going vegan protects cows and their calves, who are cruelly separated from each other on dairy farms.
Ever-more people are going dairy-free out of concern for the animals, the planet, their own arteries, or because they’re among the millions of Americans who are lactose intolerant, and shops already serving vegan ice cream are scooping up the rewards. The vegan ice cream market is valued at more than $800 million and is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2030.
“I’m truly happy to be celebrating my 77th birthday by celebrating the bond between gentle cows and their loving calves who deserve to stay together,” says Newkirk. “Ditching dairy is easy and delicious and comes with the opportunity to save animals’ lives, protect the environment, and avoid dairy-linked diseases, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.”
Where: Near the Haupt Fountain, 16th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
When: Thursday, June 11, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
Why: Cows have friends and mourn when a loved one dies or when they’re separated from each other, yet in the dairy industry, female cows are forcibly impregnated and have their beloved calves stolen from them so the milk meant to nourish their babies can be sold to humans. Newborn males are slaughtered for veal, while female calves endure the same fate as their mothers until their bodies wear out and they’re sent to slaughter.
PETA notes that with an abundance of dairy-free ice creams available today—including decadent vegan flavors from Oatly, Breyer’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and more—it’s never been easier to opt for delicious desserts that let calves stay with their mothers. PETA’s free vegan starter kit—and guide to chains that offer vegan ice cream—can help anyone looking to make the switch.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a cow is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
