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PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
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African elephants Mara (left) and Thika use their trunks to grab leaves high up in trees.
Thika uses the fence to increase her reach.
| The Powerful, Multi-Use Elephant Trunk | |
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Caring for our seven Asian and African elephants – Lulu, Toka, Gypsy, Thika, Mara, Prince, and Nicholas – we are reminded of just how amazing these animals are. We see the evidence of it each and every day, including when it comes to the wonder that is the elephant’s trunk.
Elephants use their powerful trunks – the fusion of the elephant’s upper lip and nose – for everything from drinking water, foraging, bathing, smelling, exploring, tossing dust and mud onto their bodies, picking up and manipulating objects, blowing objects away or sniffing them in, signaling aggression, producing sounds, tactile contact with other elephants, and other behaviors.
At the ARK 2000 sanctuary, we have witnessed the incredible physical strength of an elephant, who can pull down huge tree limbs and move them around with ease (we’re thinking about you, Mara!). That’s no surprise when you consider that an elephant’s trunk is capable of lifting over 700 pounds.
The trunk itself can weigh up to 300 pounds, and its musculature makes it extraordinarily flexible. There are eight major muscles on either side of the trunk (which does not have bones), and one central muscle between nasal passages. However, there are about 150,000 fascicles (bundles of muscle fibers surrounded by connective tissue) that work together with the major muscles and give the trunk its great flexibility.
One of the differences between Asian and African elephants – which are two different species – is the number of “fingers” at the end of the trunk. These fingers allow for great dexterity.
Asian elephants have one “finger” that can be used to curl around and scoop up food, whereas African elephants have “two fingers” that allow them to firmly grasp items such as blades of grass. The skin of the trunk tip actually differs from that of the surrounding skin, with a high density of nerve endings, making it very sensitive.
Elephant trunks also have numerous whiskers, with the most found near the sensitive tip. Elephant whiskers do not actually “whisk” (quickly and repeatedly sweep back and forth) like a rat, nor are they as exquisitely sensitive. The flexibility of the trunk allows the whiskers to do their job of providing sensory input, although their role is more for sensing coarse tactile stimuli.
The trunk gives elephants great reach. We often see the elephants at PAWS extend their trunks high up into the trees in their habitats to grab leaves or acorns. Elephants can extend their trunks quite far – about six to 6.5 feet or even longer. That’s why we always take serious precautions around our elephants in order to protect caregivers.
Water is essential for an elephant – for drinking and bathing – which is why our elephants always have access to fresh water. Elephants drink water by sucking it into their trunk and spraying it into the mouth. Researchers found that an elephant can suck up three liters of water per second – a speed 30 times faster than a human sneeze. They also can dilate their nostrils to create more space in their trunks and hold up to 5.5 liters of water.
The trunk’s multifaceted use and flexibility are truly a wonder and part of what makes elephants such interesting and exceptional animals.
Do you have a question about elephants, tigers, or bears? Send it to us and we may write a newsletter item based on your question. Send your questions to PAWS Director of Science, Research and Public Policy Catherine Doyle at cdoyle@pawsweb.org.
(Article references include: The functional anatomy of elephant trunk whiskers, Deiringer et al. (2023); Suction feeding by elephants, Schulz et al. (2021); Frequently Asked Questions About Elephants, Shoshani & Foley (2000).)
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Are Wild Animal Acts Coming to Your Local Fair? | |
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It’s summer and the fair season is in full swing, including county and Renaissance fairs. These events may present wild animal acts featuring big cats, bears and monkeys, or they may offer elephant rides.
Just like circuses, traveling shows are outdated and inhumane. Here’s what you need to know.
Intensive confinement
Traveling shows cover hundreds, if not thousands of miles each year, with the animals confined in cramped cages; elephants are chained in trucks. Transport cages for big cats are so small that the animals can barely stand up and turn around. At the fair site, the animals are mostly confined in tiny cages or pens; elephants are chained in place when not giving rides or performing.
Cruel training
Captive wild animals don’t perform or give rides because they choose to. They are forced by handlers who often employ violent training methods, using whips, rods, elephant bullhooks, physical abuse, and electric shock devices. The public never sees this aspect of the animals’ lives, which exhibitors keep well hidden.
Sterile environments
Wild animals in traveling shows are biologically the same as their wild relatives, yet they are denied everything natural to them. Cages and holding areas are barren, preventing any opportunity to engage in essential behaviors. Social needs are usually ignored.
Abnormal behavior
Wild animals in traveling shows and circuses frequently display abnormal repetitive behaviors, which are a sign of poor welfare. Big cats and bears may repeatedly pace back and forth, and elephants often sway, head bob, and rock.
Public safety risk
The wild animals you see in traveling acts are not domesticated. Even if born in captivity they retain their natural instincts, which they may act on when threatened or frightened. Elephants and big cats have escaped traveling shows, and they have attacked and killed handlers.
No education or conservation value
Animal shows distort the public’s perception of wild animals, making endangered species such as tigers appear plentiful when in fact they are in danger of extinction. Seeing wild animals in an entertainment context actually hinders conservation efforts and may make these animals, however dangerous, appealing as exotic “pets.”
How the Big Cat Public Safety Act affects traveling shows
The federal Big Cat Public Safety Act prohibits an exhibitor from allowing direct physical contact between the public and big cats of any age. This includes lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, and hybrids of these species.
Exhibitors are also required to keep a distance of at least 15 feet between big cats and members of the public unless there is a permanent barrier sufficient to prevent public contact (something a traveling exhibitor would not have).
If you see an exhibitor selling cub petting or photo sessions with any of the species listed above, or who does not provide the required 15-foot distance between the public and big cats, please report it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at LawEnforcement@fws.gov. Let us know if you have filed a report or if you need help doing so; send an email to cdoyle@pawsweb.org.
More ways to help:
- Avoid fairs with wild animal acts.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, urging the fair to reject wild animal shows.
- Post a comment on social media sites for the fair, politely asking that they exclude wild animal acts.
- Never ride an elephant or camel.
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Black bear Mack in his habitat at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary. | The Year of the Bear: Focus on the American Black Bear | |
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As part of our Year of the Bear campaign, PAWS is drawing attention to an animal that deserves more of our respect and protection in the wild and in captivity. Each month, we provide interesting and sometimes little-known facts about bears – their intelligence, agility, and complex behaviors.
Here are some interesting quick facts about American black bears:
- Due to their intelligence and adaptability, the black bear is the most numerous and widespread species of bear in North America. They can be found in at least 40 states, from Alaska to Florida.
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Not all black bears are black! Their fur can be cinnamon, chocolate, brown, blond, grey, or tan. But all black bears have a brown snout. Most bears that are black in coloration are found in the Eastern U.S.
- An adult male bear is called a boar. The adult female is called a sow.
- Bears have 42 teeth. A bear’s age can be determined by the study of their teeth – similar to counting rings on a tree.
- Black bears are the only species of bear in North America that climb trees at all ages, although climbing ability declines with age. Black bears usually climb trees to escape a threat, but sometimes to find tasty food.
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On June 12 and 13, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (pictured) conducted a prescribed burn to reduce hazardous fuel (vegetation) near and on the sanctuary. This is meant to help alleviate the threat of wildfires at the sanctuary and in nearby residential areas of San Andreas.
The controlled burn also aids in the control of noxious weeds, including yellow star thistle, an invasive species that crowds out native species and is toxic to horses. The activity also provides firefighters with the opportunity to train on a live fire, using various techniques.
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CAL FIRE takes prescribed burns very seriously, instituting precautionary measures to ensure fire containment. This included stationing a Sikorsky S70i Hawk helicopter (pictured) at ARK 2000, one of CAL FIRE’s aviation firefighting fleet. This valuable asset can quickly deliver a firefighting ground crew and transition into water/foam dropping missions.
This is just one part of PAWS’ fire prevention efforts to ensure the safety of our animals, staff, and volunteers. We are grateful to CAL FIRE for their dedication to protecting the sanctuary and surrounding community.
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PAWS Says Goodbye to Boo Boo the Bear | |
Boo Boo, an American black bear, was born in a captive breeding compound in January 1994. He was taken from his mother when he was only two weeks old and sold as a "pet" to a family in Ohio. The family locked a chain around his neck and left him in their backyard.
Young bears grow quickly, and soon the chain became embedded deep in Boo Boo’s neck. After discovering his plight, a good Samaritan bought him from the family, paid a veterinarian to surgically remove the chain, and reached out to PAWS seeking a home for this mistreated cub.
Boo Boo arrived at PAWS' Galt sanctuary in December 1994 where he soon met Winston, another young black bear. The two cubs became best friends and lived together for the next 26 years.
PAWS' Sanctuary Manager Brian Busta remembers how the two cubs enjoyed teasing their neighbor Lenny, a gruff old European brown bear who would toothlessly growl at their antics and send them scampering.
Boo Boo and Winston moved from Galt to their spacious new home in the Bob Barker Bear Habitat at our ARK 2000 sanctuary in December 2010, where they thrived among mature oak trees and native grasses, with ample space to roam and a pool to play in.
Boo Boo loved to dig in the soft earth. Even though he had a cozy den he often preferred to sprawl out on his back in one of the many beds he dug in his habitat, which he thickly padded with soft leaves and pine needles.
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When Winston passed away from liver cancer in 2021, Boo Boo continued living the daily life of an older bear - lots of napping punctuated by bouts of foraging and exploring his habitat (pictured). Staff paid extra close attention to Boo Boo and catered to his needs as he got older.
Supervisor Renae recalls Boo Boo's fondness for Fig Newtons, and she made sure to always keep some on hand for him.
At 29 years of age, Boo Boo was considered an elderly bear. Like many older animals and humans, Boo Boo had arthritis for which he received anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements (sometimes hidden in Fig Newtons!).
Caregivers worked closely with PAWS’ veterinary staff to monitor his comfort and mobility so changes could be made to his medications when needed. Boo Boo’s caregivers provided a nutritious diet that included fresh berries every day. For cool nights, they made a fluffy bed of hay in his den.
In late May, staff observed that Boo Boo had a soft cough after waking up in the morning, and sometimes after lying down for a nap during the day. PAWS' veterinarians prescribed medications to treat a respiratory infection, but because of his very advanced age also strongly suspected cancer or heart disease. So they began planning an anesthetized examination.
Despite the new cough, Boo Boo had an excellent appetite, was in good spirits, and got up every morning to explore his habitat for tasty treats scattered by his dedicated caregivers. Just a few days before his scheduled examination, Boo Boo passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep. A necropsy performed at U.C. Davis revealed that he had lung cancer.
Boo Boo will always be remembered for his calm and easy-going personality, his sweet tooth, and his love of leisure and relaxation. It was an honor to provide a good home for Boo Boo for so many years, and all who knew him will miss him always.
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THANK YOU!
June Amazon Wish List Donors:
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Suzi Brooks: one bottle of AminAvast, 60#. Joleene M. Ladyman: one bottle of AminAvast, 60#. Wendy Mitchell: one 2 lb. bag of banana chips. Lynn Bruser: one 2 lb. bag of pecans; one 5 lb. bag of pumpkin seeds; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Peggy Buckner: one 5 lb. bag of cashews. Sandy Gwinner (in memory of Claire): One 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin & Coat; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Joanna Grayson: one 3 lb. bag of walnuts; one 5 lb. bag of pumpkin seeds. Elizabeth M. Peterson: one 3 lb. bag of walnuts. Elke Riesterer: one 2 lb. bag of almonds. Leona Heraty: one 4 lb. bag of sunflower kernels. Nancy Gordon: one 5 lb. bag of cashews; one 4 lb. bag of sunflower kernels. Anonymous Donors: one 5 lb. bag of cashews; one 2 lb. bag of sunflower kernals; one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin & Coat. | |
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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.
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PAWS provides lifetime care to the tigers, bears, elephants, and other animals who call our sanctuary 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: | |
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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.
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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.
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Give to one of PAWS' ongoing MightyCause campaigns: Our "Dollars for Dirt" or "Give BIG for PAWS' Elephants" fundraisers for the elephants, like Prince (pictured), or our "Help Captive Tigers" 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 PAWS' sanctuary to call home! Learn more
Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs. Learn more about what is needed.
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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.
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!
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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
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