Taylor McLagan

In a world where the delicate balance of nature is at risk, I consider it my duty and privilege to use my skills as a journalist, photographer, and animal advocate to make a difference. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the wonders of our planet, protect its biodiversity, and join the global movement for conservation and animal welfare.

My Recent Work

Cincinnati CityBeat •

Shelters in Distress: Greater Cincinnati Animal Shelters are Grappling with a Record-Breaking Increase in Animals

This story is featured in CityBeat's Feb. 7 print edition.



Editor’s note: Taylor McLagan is an employee of Cincinnati Animal CARE.

A crisis is unfolding in the heartland of southern Ohio, with county animal shelters in Cincinnati and surrounding areas grappling with an alarming rise in homeless and abandoned pets. A large number of stray animals entering county shelters in recent months has pushed these facilities into a prolonged state of “code red,” setting records and raising concerns w
The News Record •

The Cincinnati Museum Center is recognizing Indigenous culture—and its historical truth

Native Americans have occupied North American lands for over 20,000 years, but much of what the public has been taught about their history is found to be skewed or even completely wrong. With a long lineage of history across the United States, the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) has recognized the deep historical inaccuracy of what has been told about Native American cultures throughout time—and one team of museum archaeologists is on a mission to correct the historical record.

The CMC Departmen
The News Record •

Exploring one of Cincinnati’s oldest libraries

In the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, where modern life fades into a distant echo, a precious relic of history waits patiently. It's a place where time stands still amid the swirl of ceaseless progress—the Mercantile Library.

The Mercantile Library, a historic institution with a legacy dating back nearly two centuries, is a testament to the enduring love of books and knowledge. Established in 1835, this remarkable library has played a vital role in shaping Cincinnati's intellectual and cultural lan
The News Record •

Colleges are becoming more pet friendly to benefit students' mental health

When Maeve Hamlet, a third-year University of Cincinnati (UC) student, found her lifelong companion, Gianni, she had no idea how difficult it would be to bring Gianni to college.

"I adopted my dog Gianni about a month before my freshman year of college. When I adopted Gianni, he was already trained and socialized with other animals," Hamlet said. "I had high hopes of being able to bring him with me to school, and I wanted to live in the dorms like the rest of my peers, but registering him as an
The News Record •

Green at UC: Marine scientist Oliver Jewell on what shark research can teach us about our oceans

Stories that are part of the "Green at UC" series have been contributed in part by the University of Cincinnati environmental reporting class.

Climate change is on the rise and human-driven impacts are changing our planet - and not for the better, according to Dr. Oliver Jewell. Jewell is a marine scientist, spatial ecologist and postdoctoral research associate for the University of Western Australia. He is on a mission to understand and raise awareness through his research on how we can change
Cincinnati Animal CARE •

A basic guide for Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

Canine distemper is a severe and infectious virus that affects both puppies and dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. According to Cornell University, the virus can be fatal, with a mortality rate of 50% in adult dogs and 80% in puppies, without proper care. Cincinnati Animal Care prioritizes providing proper medical attention to all dogs affected by distemper in our shelter. This guide provides an overview of distemper, the actions taken during distemper crises, and its impa
Cincinnati Animal CARE •

Joey Votto (the dog) having a great season just like his namesake

With the Cincinnati Reds season in full swing, we caught up with one of our shelter favorites, Joey Votto (the dog). Named after a famous Reds player, Joey Votto is a 5-year-old who came to Cincinnati Animal CARE as a stray on March 18th, 2022. Upon arrival, Joey Votto was severely underweight and terrified, but he was soon noticed by none other than (human) Cincinnati Reds player Jonathan India and his girlfriend Daniella Garcia-Parden!

“We walked into the shelter and asked to see the dogs,” G
True Tone Swimwear •

Surfing & Sustainability

Surfing combines sport and skill, creating an emotional connection between nature and the ocean. The Center for Surf and Research reports that the surfing industry has an estimated 10 million surfers in 120 countries, contributing to a growing industry worth an estimated 17 billion dollars. Overall, it's clear that the surfing industry has a significant impact on both a global and local scale. This impact can be seen in a variety of ways, such as the effect on local communities due to the rapid
True Tone Swimwear •

Dive into Connection: Uncovering the Intrinsic Bond Between People and Water

People are naturally attracted to the ocean, as evidenced by the millions who visit the coast each year to bask in the sun and enjoy the many experiences it offers. It seems that there is a part of everyone that is drawn to water, but why? Is it the delicious seafood restaurants, the variety of water activities, or the social events that take place? Or is it something deeper, like the soothing sound of the waves or the beautiful sunset views?

Humans have a special connection with water, and man