Model and actress Joanna Krupa is set to debut her new YouTube series, Street Rescue, aimed at promoting pet adoption and supporting low-income families with pets. The series will premiere on October 24, 2023, with weekly episodes scheduled for release at 4 p.m. PST. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on October 15, Krupa discussed her motivations and the challenges faced by pet owners in need.
Krupa, 46, has long been an advocate for animal welfare. Alongside her sister, Marta Krupa, and friend Gabi Gutierrez, she co-founded the nonprofit Angels for Animals Rescue. The rising costs of veterinary care in Los Angeles inspired her to create this series, which she fully funds, aiming to provide essential support to families struggling to care for their pets.
“Living in Los Angeles, the vetting costs are through the roof,” Krupa explained. “I spend so much money on animal rescue and even my own animals.” She emphasized the importance of aiding families who find themselves unable to afford medical care for their pets, stating that such financial burdens often lead to animals being surrendered to shelters.
Street Rescue seeks to address these issues by partnering with various low-income and volunteer veterinary services. “We’re trying to build a community of animal rescuers in California and nationwide,” Krupa said. She stressed the urgency of promoting adoption, highlighting the distressing number of animals euthanized in shelters each year. “With this type of show, I feel we can save so many lives by promoting adoption and giving back,” she noted.
In addition to her commitment to animal rescue, Krupa is the mother of a nearly six-year-old daughter, Asha-Leigh, whom she shares with ex-husband Douglas Nunes. Reflecting on her experiences as a single mother, Krupa expressed her admiration for her daughter’s compassion. “She’s like a sponge. She absorbs everything,” Krupa said, noting Asha-Leigh’s concern for others. “She has such a heart of gold.”
Krupa, who divorced Nunes in 2023 after four years of marriage, expressed her regrets about not starting a family sooner. “When you’re younger, you don’t realize that you come to an age where it’s not that easy,” she observed, acknowledging the challenges of parenthood. She hopes to provide Asha-Leigh with a sibling in the future, recognizing the importance of sibling bonds.
“I definitely would dream for Asha-Leigh to have a sibling,” she remarked. “But I try my best to be the best mom ever.” To ensure her daughter has social interactions, Krupa organizes playdates and encourages friendships.
Krupa has also been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, hosting the Polish version of America’s Next Top Model for 14 seasons. This role has kept her busy and away from the U.S. market, but she is eager to return with Street Rescue. “It has to be something that gives back, is heartfelt, something that my daughter is going to be proud of,” she said of her new project.
While Krupa has maintained connections with some former co-stars from The Real Housewives of Miami, she noted that dating is not currently a priority for her. “I don’t want any drama in my life,” she stated, adding that any potential relationship would need to be uncomplicated and fulfilling.
Looking ahead, Krupa hinted at future projects involving her own branding and product line, aimed at making quality items accessible to a broader audience. “It’s time to take advantage of what I built over the years,” she said, expressing excitement about this new venture.
As Krupa embarks on this new chapter with Street Rescue, her commitment to animal welfare and motherhood remains at the forefront of her priorities.
