PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.

Since 1984


September 2022 | Newsletter

Above: Rescued tiger Herman takes a nap near a large pumpkin plant that's growing in his habitat at ARK 2000.

Introducing

Tigers Herman and Falcor!

This may be the first time we’re introducing you to our “new” tigers, Herman and Falcor, but in fact these special tigers have been in our care since May 2021. Why the long wait? Herman and Falcor, both born in 2012, were part of a major government action against the owners of a private zoo in Oklahoma, Jeff and Lauren Lowe (featured in the Netflix series "Tiger King"). The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were involved in the action, and eventually 68 big cats were seized from the facility due to alleged violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. At the time the DOJ filed its complaint against the Lowes, the agency stated that the couple had failed to provide "basic veterinary care, appropriate food, and safe living conditions for the animals." The Lowes have since been permanently banned from exhibiting wild animals.

 

PAWS was among a number of Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) accredited sanctuaries that took in the big cats. Now that legalities have been settled, we are pleased to tell you about Herman and Falcor.

Herman (pictured above/left) is considered to be a quiet, shy tiger. He saves his outgoing moments – rolling in the grass or lying upside down – for times when he thinks no one is looking. Herman loves to eat, and he prefers being bathed with a hose to lounging in his pool. This mellow tiger will emit friendly “chuffs” and rub up against his fence whenever caregivers are present. (Chuffs are a sociable vocalization that tigers use with each other or familiar people. They sound like breathy snorts.)


Herman enjoys the peaceful environment at ARK 2000, where he can truly relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around him. He particularly likes the scent of sage, which caregivers sprinkle throughout his habitat.

Falcor (pictured above/right) is more outgoing and interested in everything going on around him. He can be found with his nose right up to the fence when caregivers are working nearby. He gets along well with other tigers housed in the habitats near him, but he is usually more interested in what the caregivers are doing and will chuff as they approach his enclosure. Falcor’s wild side comes out when he’s eating, so caregivers give him his space at that time. Naps are definitely a favorite pastime. When he was recently given some soft, fragrant branches from a redwood tree, Falcor joyfully rolled around on them, chewed them, and eventually tore them into bits, enjoying every minute.

 

As a white tiger, Falcor is the result of inbreeding to produce his coat coloring. A double recessive gene carried by a small percentage of tigers causes partial loss of pigmentation, resulting in white fur. Both parents must carry this uncommon gene, so inbreeding (pairing tigers who are closely related genetically) is used to create the novel color. Unfortunately, inbreeding can result in a variety of health issues for these tigers.


White tigers do not have any conservation value, although exhibitors will try to convince people otherwise as a way to appear credible. This only hinders the true conservation efforts that are needed to protect the fewer than 5,000 tigers remaining in the wild. White tigers are mostly seen in exploitive settings such as circuses, roadside zoos, and magic shows.

We are honored to welcome Herman and Falcor to the PAWS family and provide them with the care and respect they deserve. Thanks to Bobbi Brink of Lions, Tigers and Bears for transporting them to their forever home at PAWS.

 

If you would like to make a “Welcome Herman and Falcor!” donation, please click on the button below.

DONATE

PAWS’ International Outreach


PAWS Chief Operating Officer Dr. Chris Draper (left) recently spoke at the International Animal Welfare Conference in Tallinn, Estonia, organized by the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals (https://loomakaitse.ee/). His presentations on the trade in exotic pets and the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals were made before an in-person and virtual international audience.


Chris will be presenting at the PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference in Sacramento, Calif., November 11-12.

Only Two Weeks Left to Register for the 2022 PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference


The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference is back! It’s been four years since our last conference and a lot has happened during that time on important animal issues. In keeping with our theme of “Back Together in the Fight for Captive Wildlife”, this will be an in-person conference.

 

The conference will take place November 11-12 in Sacramento, California. There is an optional visit to PAWS’ 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary – home to elephants, tigers and bears – on November 13.

 

More than 30 speakers from around the world will bring you up to speed on issues and actions concerning captive wild animals, including elephants, big cats, cetaceans, and nonhuman primates. Topics include animals in entertainment, zoos and tourism, and updates on the latest in legislation, law and science.

 

Conference space is very limited, so be sure to register today!

 

Here are just a few of our conference speakers:

 

New to the conference: The “super panel” where experts tackle tough questions involving captive wild animals and how to bring about change.

Special event: Photographer Colleen Plumb book signing, “Thirty Times a Minute.” (Available for purchase at conference.)
 
Registration is open now. Click on the "Register Now" button for more information and to register.
 
The health and safety of conference participants is a top priority. Please read PAWS' COVID Health and Safety Protocols before you register. Link available on registration page.
 
See you in November!


Register Now!

Thank you to our 2022 conference sponsors!

Big Cat Public Safety Act

Needs Your Help Once Again!

The Big Cat Public Safety Act (S. 1210) – the federal bill that would prohibit the private ownership of big cats and ban their use in cub petting attractions – has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and now it needs to pass in the Senate. If we can get this accomplished, it’s just a matter of the President signing the bill into law.

 

This bill is critical to the health and welfare of captive big cats, and to stopping the never-ending breeding of these animals for profit.

 

Untold numbers of big cats in the U.S. live in decrepit roadside zoos or as pets confined in impoverished backyard cages. They are denied space, a proper diet, appropriate veterinary care, and anything natural to them. Cub petting attractions continuously breed big cats and then tear the cubs away from their mothers so operators can sell handling sessions and photo ops to the public. When the cubs grow too big for people to handle, they are sent to roadside zoos, private owners, or they simply “disappear.”

 

We need everyone to help to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act in the Senate. Click here for information on how you can take action.

 

Special Action Needed!

If you live in Oklahoma, please contact Senator James Lankford immediately! His office needs to hear from you, otherwise the Big Cat Public Safety Act could be held up. Please call and email the people listed below and very politely tell them that you strongly support the Big Cat Public Safety Act, S. 1210, and want to see the bill move forward and become law. (For more message points, click here.)


Contact:

 

Chief of Staff – Michelle Altman

Michelle_Altman@lankford.senate.gov

 

Legislative Director – Sarah Seitz

Sarah_Seitz@lankford.senate.gov

 

Legislative Aide – Luke Hale

Luke_Hale@lankford.senate.gov

 

Phone number for the above: 202-224-5754

 

Phone calls and emails make a huge difference. Thank you for taking action!

THANK YOU!

September Amazon Wish List Donors:

Skott Daltonic: one 2 lb. bag of sunflower kernels. Jacqui Abbey: one 2 lb. bag of sunflower kernels. Kathleen Huls: one box of Denamarin, 30#. Jenny: one 10 lb. pail of Equithrive. Glenn: one 10 lb. pail of Equithrive. Beatrice Muhe: two 4 lb. bags of almonds. Duella M. Furmer: two 6.5 oz. bags of dried pineapple; two 2 lb. bags of almonds. Nancy Gordon: one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link. Jennifer Ani: one 6.5 oz. bag of dried pineapple. Jennifer: one 10 lb. pail of Equithrive. Anonymous Donors: two 3.3 lb. pails of Equithrive; one case of Office Depot copy paper; one box of Denamarin, 30#; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#; one bottle of AminAvast, 60#; one 32 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm. 

We have chosen specific items that are needed at the sanctuary, which you can purchase directly from Amazon. We have an ongoing need for many of the products listed. Click here to review the items and donate. You can also review “wish list” items that are needed but not listed on Amazon. Click here for that list.
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Rescued black bear Mack.

PAWS provides lifetime care to the tigers, 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 gifts make this excellent care possible.
There are many ways
you can help PAWS animals:
Donate. 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. When you make a contribution for the wild animals at PAWS, it is unlike any other. How many people can say they’ve gifted elephants with spacious rolling hills and a more natural life, or made a present of a lush, tree-filled habitat for a tiger? Or given a bear a new chance at life? And you ensure we are prepared for the next wild animal in dire need of rescue. Three ways to give and every donation matters. Learn more
DONATE TO PAWS
PAWS is proud of its 4-star rating with Charity Navigator - the highest rating possible. We are part of an elite group of charities with an "exceptional" designation (at least four consecutive years of 4-star ratings), meaning that your gift will have the greatest impact possible. CharityWatch gives PAWS an "A" rating.
Give to one of PAWS' ongoing MightyCause campaigns: Our "Dollars for Dirt" or "Give BIG for PAWS' Elephants" fundraisers for the elephants, or our "Support a Rescued Tiger" fundraiser to benefit the rescued tigers living at our ARK 2000 sanctuary.
 
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
 
Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs. Learn more about what is needed.

Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise. Clothing for adults, kids, toddlers and infants, as well as other fun merchandise like notecards and coffee mugs - available from our CafePress online gift shop.


PAWS Amazon Wish List. We have chosen specific items that are needed at the sanctuary, which you can purchase directly from Amazon. Many items are ongoing. The list is always current! View here, and shop using AmazonSmile.

 

EBAY Giving Works. Visit PAWS eBay page to view our current listings and to bid. List your 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 or buying!

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
Donate Your Vehicle To PAWS. Learn more
 
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. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all PAWS' events have been cancelled until further notice. Thank you for your understanding. 
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