Brooke Shields and her daughter, Rowan Francis Henchy, made a notable appearance at Animal Haven’s 2026 Benefit for the Animals, held on 30 April at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The event was not just a platform for raising funds for animal welfare but also an opportunity for Rowan to share a rather entertaining and dramatic experience involving a monkey encounter during her mother’s film shoot in Thailand.
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Recalling the incident, 22-year-old Rowan recounted how her mother had been swimming off an island in Thailand while filming. Deciding to pay a visit, Rowan mentioned their shared belief that they could befriend even the wildest creatures. However, things took an unexpected turn when Brooke approached a monkey, leading to a rather chaotic scenario. “Then the monkey attacked her and we had to quickly get off the island,” Rowan explained, adding that she witnessed the spectacle from a distance on a boat.
Brooke, 60, embellished the storytelling with her own memories, revealing her quick response when the monkey made its move. “I’ve never seen anybody swim faster. I gave it bananas,” she remarked, though Rowan clarified, “It doesn’t want a banana. It wants to get you off its island.” Despite the commotion, Brooke noted that the monkey happily accepted the bananas during the encounter.
At the benefit, Rowan received the Leonard Simon Award in recognition of her contributions to Animal Haven, a charity close to her heart. She brought along her rescue dog, Cluny, a testament to her commitment to animal welfare, fostered through her experiences with the organisation.
Brooke Shields, best known for her roles in films and television, shares two daughters with her husband, Chris Henchy. Rowan was born on 15 May 2003, and has grown up in New York City. Currently attending Wake Forest University in North Carolina, she is evidently thriving in her educational journey. Reflecting on motherhood during a past interview, Brooke expressed pride in Rowan’s development, stating, “She’s really living her life… she’s blossoming and growing.”
Balancing motherhood and a career in the limelight, Brooke’s relationship with her daughters continues to evolve. She mentioned how she listens to their conversations with friends, recognising the individuals they are becoming. “I’ve done my best in my job and I’m going to try to get out of her way,” she shared, highlighting her supportive role in their lives.
Brooke welcomed her second daughter, Grier Hammond Henchy, on 18 April 2006. Grier, now 20, has shown a keen interest in fashion, a passion that has been nurtured by her mother. “If I want to know where anything good that I have is, and I can’t find it in my closet, I know exactly where to find it. It’s her!” Brooke disclosed, indicating the close relationship they share.
Both daughters have also ventured into modelling, with Grier joining Brooke for a Victoria’s Secret campaign to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2022. Brooke has encouraged Grier to pursue her modelling dreams, adopting a hands-off approach while emphasising the importance of hard work and education. “You’re going to have a great work ethic. It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re gonna listen to me. And you’re going to college,” she said during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark.”
As both Rowan and Grier now navigate their lives as college students, Brooke has been adjusting to her new role as an “empty nester.” In an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” she illustrated the bittersweet nature of this transition. “Then, they came home for Christmas, and it was great. I couldn’t wait for them to leave. I was so sad when they left the first time. Then, at the end of Christmas, I’m like, ‘Don’t you have to get back to school?'” she jested, encapsulating the emotions of a mother proudly watching her children grow while also relishing the independence that comes with this new chapter.
Overall, the day at the Animal Haven benefit not only celebrated animal welfare but also highlighted the enduring bond between Brooke Shields and her daughters as they continue to support one another in both their personal and professional lives.