PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
June 2019 | Newsletter
|
|
African elephants Thika (left) and Mara at ARK 2000
|
|
The Importance of Nature at ARK 2000
|
|
A recent study in the esteemed scientific journal
Nature
reports that a two-hour “dose” of nature per week – spending time in natural environments – significantly boosts the likelihood of a person reporting good health or well-being. This includes just sitting quietly and enjoying the peace of nature around you.
Now, imagine you are a captive wild animal who was forcibly estranged from nature. Maybe you or your ancestors were stolen from your homeland. Think of what it would feel like to be denied access to anything natural – grass to walk on, space to roam, the ability to engage in natural activities such as selecting food, socializing with others of your choosing, establishing your own territory, or finding a mate. You have effectively lost your sense of purpose. In every direction you walk, there is an impenetrable barrier. This is what wild animals endure in captivity.
So many of the animals rescued by PAWS have suffered not just alienation from nature but great adversity and horrific abuse.
|
|
Ben the bear (right) lived in a decrepit 12x22-foot cage, with only a concrete floor to walk on. There was nothing green. Anywhere. No grass, no logs and fallen leaves to forage in, no trees for shade or climbing. He paced back and forth with little interruption, except for the occasional visitor to the shameful roadside attraction that confined him.
|
|
Tiger brothers Bigelow (left), Nimmo and Wilhelm were part of the "Colorado Eight" rescue. These big cats were used to produce more cubs for a now defunct petting zoo that charged the public a fee to take photos with baby tigers who had been ripped away from their mothers. They lived in minimal conditions that were a far cry from the forests these magnificent animals occupy in nature. Several tigers at the facility did not make it out alive.
|
|
Of the eight elephants at ARK 2000, five were kidnapped from their families in the wild and sold to circuses, zoos and private owners: Mara, Lulu, Maggie, Toka and Gypsy. Instead of being raised by their tight-knit, protective families, they were thrust into a frightening world that couldn’t be more foreign to them.
Our other three elephants — Prince, Nicholas, and Thika — were born in captivity so all they have ever known is confinement.
When PAWS President Ed Stewart and his longtime partner and PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, envisioned ARK 2000 – our 2,300-acre natural habitat sanctuary in California – they instinctively knew that this was the right direction in caring for wild animals already fated to a life in captivity. While we can’t give back what these animals have lost or the wild lives they should have had, we can give them more natural surroundings filled with trees, grass, natural foliage, and the chance to rediscover innate behaviors that are important to them.
Living in a truly natural setting – versus even a “naturalistic” one – provides unique opportunities to engage in more varied activities and for the animals to make their own choices, giving them a small bit of “freedom.” They are also more in tune with nature as the seasons change, bringing different sights, sounds, and smells.
|
|
We have no way to know exactly what our animals are thinking, but we can observe their behaviors and try to decipher what they mean. In our estimation, immersing captive wild animals in nature has had a positive effect. The most important markers are those that indicate the animals are feeling relaxed and secure in their environments: a tiger laying on her back in the sun, a bear who doesn’t pace all day long, and an elephant lying down to nap as her companions watch over her.
|
|
African elephants napping on a hillside at ARK 2000
|
|
If a two-hour dose of nature per week can positively affect human well-being, it only stands to reason that providing captive wild animals with spacious, natural environments in which they have more fulfilling choices and some control over their lives must make a huge difference in their quality of life and well-being.
PAWS believes this is the very least we can do for the wild animals in our care. We remain dedicated to providing the best care possible for the animals here now and those who arrive in the future.
|
|
Remembering PAWS Co-founder Pat Derby
|
|
As PAWS celebrates its 35
th
year of rescuing and providing sanctuary for captive wildlife in need, PAWS’ co-founder, the late Pat Derby, is especially on our minds. Pat would have celebrated her birthday on June 7, had she not lost her battle with cancer in 2013. Together with her longtime partner, PAWS President and Co-Founder Ed Stewart, Pat changed the way the world looks at the exploitation of captive wild animals in entertainment.
Once a Hollywood animal trainer, Pat became disgusted with the behind-the-scenes abuses of captive wild animals that she witnessed while working on films, television shows, and advertising campaigns. Her tell-all book,
The Lady and Her Tiger
, was published in 1976, revealing the widespread exploitation of these animals. Leaving Hollywood behind, Pat and Ed toured the U.S. educating people about the plight of wild animals used in entertainment, before founding PAWS in 1984.
Pat’s accomplishments were many. She twice spoke before Congress to champion bills to end the use of elephants in traveling shows. She and Ed relentlessly exposed the abuses of wild animals in circuses. And together they realized a dream by creating our innovative ARK 2000 sanctuary – a place where captive wildlife could live more naturally.
We so wish Pat could have lived to see the legacy of her work for captive wild animals: from bans on elephant bullhooks to statewide prohibitions in New Jersey and Hawaii on all wild animals in circuses. (And we’re getting closer to passing a ban on wild animals in circuses in California.) Pat would have been thrilled by these advancements. But she also would have been the first to remind us that we have a long way to go and that the important work PAWS does for captive wildlife – rescue, sanctuary, advocacy – is more vital than ever.
donation to PAWS in honor of Pat Derby.
|
|
Update on California's
Circus Cruelty Prevention Act
|
|
PAWS continues to actively advocate for SB 313, the California bill to end the use of wild or exotic animals in circuses, sponsored by Senator Ben Hueso. As previously reported, the bill passed the California Senate. It is now making its way through the Assembly. It recently passed the Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife (9-2 with 2 abstentions), and the Judiciary Committee (9-1, with 2 abstentions). The next stop for the bill is the Appropriations Committee. If passed, it will go to the entire Assembly for a vote.
In circuses, wild animals are forced to perform under threat of painful punishment, confined in cramped cages and crates as they are transported from show to show, and generally deprived of all that is natural to them. It’s time for California to end this abuse!
How Californians can help
PAWS is pleased to be supporting this key animal protection bill that would end the abuse and exploitation of wild animals for entertainment.
|
|
PAWS' 35th Anniversary Luncheon and Tea
Benefit for Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center
a Tremendous Success!
|
|
More than 60 guests attended a very special fundraiser to honor PAWS’ 35
th
anniversary and support the Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic that serves the wild animals we care for at PAWS. The event was held at the
Linde Lane Tea Room
in Dixon, California.
PAWS is grateful to Dr. Kristina Wiley, DDS (right), owner of the Linde Lane Tea Room, for hosting the event, providing beautiful gift bags for attendees, and donating
amazing
raffle prizes. She has been a true friend to PAWS’ animals; her events and special projects have raised more than $60,000 for the Wellness Center.
|
|
Emceed by PAWS’ long-time friend and musical guest Jeff Newland (pictured here with Ed Stewart, right) the event featured gourmet teas, a delicious plant-based lunch, and some special presentations. PAWS President Ed Stewart shared stories and special memories from PAWS' 35-year history and presented Dr. Wiley with a Franz porcelain teacup and saucer that had belonged to his parter and PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby. PAWS Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jackie Gai, DVM, spoke about how the Wellness Center allows for exemplary veterinary care for the animals who call our sanctuary home, and presented Dr. Wiley with a plaque thanking her for her support (below). Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli – a friend and strong supporter of PAWS since the 1980s – made the surprise announcement that June 9, 2019, was declared “PAWS Day” in Sacramento County and presented Ed Stewart with a framed proclamation. The event closed with a 35
th anniversary sparkling wine toast, courtesy of
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi.
|
|
PAWS would like to thank everyone who made this event so special:
The amazing chefs: Chef M.J. Espiritu-Gerometta from
Pivotal Foods created the special plant-based menu and donated her time, considerable talents, and her company's products. The luncheon team included Cindy Anderson, baker; Rhianna Gardner, sous chef; and Michele E. Long, Linde Lane Tea Room manager.
Our tremendous volunteers: They did everything from decorating tables to greeting guests to serving lunch and running the gift shop. Thank you to Sylvia Aspire; Barry Gardner; Kitty Good; Ruth Huffman; the Humphreys family, including Eddie, Maddy, Michelle, Olivia and Tony; Barbara Larkin; Nanci LaRue; Yvonne Lenhares; Dalton Lewis; Stacey Lyons, Lorrie Morris and Alyssa Saenz.
|
|
|
|
Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli presents PAWS President Ed Stewart with a special proclamation marking “PAWS Day” on June 9, 2019, in recognition “of the many animals who have found lasting peace at home with PAWS, and for the innumerable contributions to the betterment of our world and its wild animals."
|
|
|
The amazing luncheon team, from left to right: Cindy Anderson, baker; Rhianna Gardner, sous chef; Michele E. Long, Linde Lane Tea Room manager; and Chef M.J. Espiritu-Gerometta, co-founder of Pivotal Foods.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to all of the wonderful
event volunteers. They did it all!
Pictured: Michelle Humphreys (left) and Ruth Huffman.
|
|
|
Click here to view more event photos on PAWS' Facebook.
|
|
PAWS' 35 Years of
Rescue, Sanctuary and Advocacy
|
|
In recognition of PAWS’ anniversary, throughout the year we will be sharing some of the highlights, achievements, and memorable moments from the last 35 years. This month we continue our focus on the 2000s, an era of incredible change and important accomplishments, including the bullhook ban in Los Angeles that led to the downfall of the world’s largest circus!
PAWS Highlights and Memorable Moments: 2011-2014
|
|
2011:
The Toronto City Council overwhelmingly voted to send three female African elephants from the Toronto Zoo to ARK 2000. Thika, Toka and Iringa arrived on October 20, 2013.
|
|
CIRCUS PAWS: Click on the photo above to watch the pre-show fun!
|
|
2012:
PAWS produced and debuted the animal-free “Circus PAWS” at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California. More than 1,000 under-served children in the Los Angeles area received free tickets courtesy of generous event sponsors. The two-day event educated kids and adults alike about the importance of compassion for all beings.
Click here
for more information and to watch Circus PAWS Part 2, "The Show."
|
|
2013:
Standing against the destruction of African elephants for the ivory trade, PAWS joined the first International March for Elephants in San Francisco, California (above). Ed Stewart was a featured speaker at the rousing post-march rally in Union Square.
Click here
to view.
|
|
2013:
PAWS was featured in
An Apology to Elephants (left)
, an HBO documentary narrated by Lily Tomlin. Ms. Tomlin was later awarded an Emmy for her narration, which she dedicated to PAWS and Pat Derby’s memory. (Available on Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube and HBO Now
.)
Watch the trailer
here
.
2014:
The Los Angeles ban on elephant bullhooks was signed into law, followed by passage of a ban in Oakland, California – the first major U.S. cities to enact restrictions on large circuses. These actions set the stage for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to end its elephant acts in 2016, amid changing public attitudes toward animal entertainment. The circus shut down entirely in 2017, after more than 100 years in operation.
|
|
Fourth Annual Bicycle Raffle
Benefited PAWS' Animals
|
|
PAWS' management and staff sincerely thank
Auburn Honda
in Auburn, Calif., for holding its fourth annual bicycle raffle to benefit the animals at our three sanctuaries. Tickets for the raffle were sold at open houses at ARK 2000 and at the dealership. This event raised $450 for the animals, and this year's lucky winner was Scott Hadley.
PAWS thanks board members Carol Haft and Debbie Morrow and PAWS' friend Barbara Ballas for their outstanding help in selling raffle tickets. Barbara first contacted Auburn Honda four years ago to set up this annual event. We would also like to thank: Auburn Honda General Manager David Jones for his generosity and continued support; Auburn Honda Customer Relations Service Assistant Mikki Budow for arranging this event; and event cook Zach Bennett.
|
|
In Memoriam:
Capuchin Monkey Groucho
|
|
In December 1995, authorities in Iowa were shocked to discover 50 small monkeys barely surviving in filthy conditions in the basement of a private home. The monkeys were removed from the home and temporarily housed at the University of Iowa until permanent and appropriate placement could be found. PAWS' co-founder, the late Pat Derby, offered to provide a home for four of the capuchin monkeys. The rest of the monkeys went to accredited sanctuaries and zoos where their special needs could be met and where they would receive excellent care.
The four young monkeys arrived at PAWS' Galt sanctuary in August 1996. When they were first released into their spacious new enclosure — complete with trees to climb, branches to perch on, and ropes to swing from — they were intrepid and amazed. They explored the fresh, green grass with a mixture of wonder and glee and it only took a few hours before they were acting like “real” monkeys again. In fact, they were so full of fun and joyful antics that Pat Derby named them after the Marx Brothers: Groucho, Chico, Zeppo, and Harpo. Sadly, monkey Harpo passed away in 2000 from pneumonia and liver disease.
Groucho was a spunky, outgoing monkey who enjoyed the luxury of sunbathing in his hammock while companions Zeppo and Chico groomed him. His favorite foods were snap peas, bok choy, and other green vegetables. Groucho enjoyed standing next to a stream of fresh water set up by caregivers, where he would dip his head in and wash his hair and hands. His unique personality and habits endeared him to his caregivers, and he never failed to bring a smile to our faces.
In early May of this year Groucho became ill. A physical examination performed by PAWS' veterinary staff revealed liver disease. After several days in the hospital he regained much of his strength and energy and was returned to his companions. Special daily medications were now being hidden in his food treats, and for the next few weeks he spent his days enjoying all of his favorite activities. But then he fell ill again. A second examination, performed with the help of a board-certified veterinary radiologist from U.C. Davis, revealed inoperable liver and gall bladder disease. Groucho passed away on June 3, 2019. His estimated age was 27. This beloved little monkey will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
|
|
Thank You June
Amazon Wish List Donors
|
|
Darlene Murchison:
two bottles of Azodyl, 90#.
Ellie Bryant:
two gallons of Red Cell.
Carole Bognar:
one tub of Psyllium.
William F. Mentus:
one gallon of Red Cell.
Anonymous Donors:
one gallon of Red Cell; One Otoscope with reusable ear specula set; plug-in rechargeable handle for Otoscope.
Click on the Amazon Wish List link below to donate
specific items that are needed at our sanctuaries:
|
|
View "wish list" items that are needed,
but
not listed
on the Amazon list,
here
.
|
|
There are many ways
you can help PAWS animals:
|
|
 |
Donate To PAWS.
Although we work closely with regulatory agencies on animal rescues, PAWS receives no government funding and must rely on your donations to continue our work. Three ways to give and every donation matters.
Learn more
Adopt A PAWS Animal.
If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic adoptions only. No animal will be sent!
Learn more
PAWS Partnerships.
Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by becoming a PAWS Partner. PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations and the day-to-day care of the animals.
Learn more
Estates/Planned Giving.
You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home!
Learn more
|
|
|
|
Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise.
Clothing for adults, kids, toddlers and infants, as well as other fun merchandise like coffee mugs - available from our
online gift shop
.
Shop online through IGive and raise money for PAWS!
Up to 26% of your purchase - at more than 1,600 retailers - can be donated to PAWS.
Learn more
EBAY Giving Works.
List items on EBAY and choose PAWS as your charity. Donate a percentage of each sale to the animals. Visit our EBAY charity listing page
here
. Start selling!
Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs.
Learn more
about what is needed.
Donate Your Vehicle To PAWS.
Attend A Fundraiser.
PAWS sanctuaries ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but we do schedule a limited number of special events throughout the year.
Click here
to view PAWS' Calendar of Events.
|
|
|
|
PAWS provides lifetime care to the big cats, bears, elephants, and other animals who call our sanctuaries home. Your kind support provides expert daily care, necessary veterinary treatments, and specialized nutritional support, all tailored to the individual needs of each animal.
Your generous donations make this excellent care possible.
|
|
P. O. Box 849, Galt, CA 95632 | (209) 745-2606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
