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PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
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Newsletter | January 2024 | |
African elephant Mara with Thika (back) grazing at PAWS ARK 2000 sanctuary. | |
PAWS Celebrates 40 Years of Rescue, Sanctuary and Advocacy! | |
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This year PAWS celebrates 40 years of unwavering commitment to captive wildlife. Since our founding in 1984, we have been at the forefront of rescuing captive wild animals in need – from elephants to bears and big cats – and providing them with lifelong care at our 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary in California.
Since its founding, PAWS has transformed the lives of more than 250 animals, including 19 elephants, 90 big cats and 19 bears!
Beyond rescue efforts, PAWS is actively a force for education and advocacy. Our work has resulted in major advances for captive wildlife, including passage of the recent Big Cat Public Safety Act. This milestone federal legislation prohibits the private ownership of big cats and bans exploitative cub petting operations.
Looking ahead, PAWS remains committed to growing our work in fulfillment of our mission to save animal lives through rescue, legislation, and exposing the harsh reality of captivity for wild animals.
With a steady focus on ending the use of wildlife for entertainment and profit, PAWS invites you to stand alongside us as we strive towards a future where compassion prevails over cruelty. Together, we can change the world for captive wild animals!
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Breaking News!
PAWS Welcomes Bobcat Rumi to ARK 2000
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PAWS is pleased to welcome the newest member of our sanctuary family, bobcat Rumi. Get all the details about Rumi in our February newsletter.
Welcome to PAWS, Rumi!
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African elephant Lulu grazing on the fresh grass at PAWS ARK 2000 sanctuary. | |
African Elephant Lulu’s Birthday Gift for Elephant Conservation | |
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PAWS is celebrating the birthday of elephant Lulu (pictured with Toka in the back) – who at age 58 is the oldest African elephant in North America – with a $20,000 donation to the non-profit organization ElephantVoices in Lulu‘s honor. PAWS has worked closely with the co-founders of ElephantVoices, Dr. Joyce Poole and Petter Granli, for decades.
A steadfast champion for both wild and captive elephants, ElephantVoices’ mission is to advance the study of elephant cognition, communication, and social behavior, and to promote the scientifically sound and ethical management and care of elephants. They accomplish this through a comprehensive approach encompassing research, conservation, and advocacy.
ElephantVoices actively contributes to legal cases involving elephants, and they have vigorously opposed the capture and export of wild elephants for a life in captivity.
Lulu’s journey is a testament to resilience and the restorative nature of sanctuary. She arrived at PAWS in March 2005 from a California zoo. She had, unfortunately, been captured in Africa as a two-year-old calf.
When Lulu first came to PAWS her behavior reflected the trauma she had experienced in her life, from losing her wild family to living with an overly dominant elephant at the zoo. When she first met the sanctuary’s other elephants, she dropped to the ground and crawled on her elbows and knees – a completely unnatural and submissive behavior.
PAWS’ cofounder, the late Pat Derby, worked tirelessly with Lulu, helping to build her confidence and a strong sense of security. Since that time Lulu has socialized with many other elephants, and today she enjoys the company of her best friend, Toka, who turns 54 years old this year.
At 58, Lulu‘s age is exceptional for an African elephant living in captivity. The stresses and unnatural conditions of confinement mean that elephants tend to live shorter lives in captivity than in the wild.
PAWS' staff cherishes each day we care for this very special elephant. At the same time, we remain committed to supporting global conservation efforts to ensure a future where elephants continue to live free.
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2022 PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference attendees.
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Coming in November: 2024 PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference and 40th Anniversary Celebration | |
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In 1992, PAWS held its first educational conference, titled “Animals in Entertainment.” Echoing this theme, the focus of this year’s International Captive Wildlife Conference will be “Ending Wild Animals as Entertainment.”
Be prepared for an inspiring experience, as leading voices advocating on behalf of elephants, marine mammals, bears, big cats, and other wild animals provide enlightening information and engage in spirited discussions of the key issues surrounding these animals.
We will delve into significant advances that have been made and the challenges yet to overcome to end the exploitation of wild animals.
In conjunction with the conference, we’ll be commemorating PAWS’ 40th anniversary with a special celebratory evening event, making it an occasion you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more details!
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Valentine's Gifts from the Heart! | |
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Need a unique Valentine's gift that helps animals at the same time? “Adopt” an animal at PAWS for a friend, loved one, or yourself!
When you “adopt” an animal you make a real difference in the lives of the rescued and retired wild animals at PAWS.
You provide them with room to roam and the chance to be their wild selves. Each adoption supports an animal’s vital care including nutritious diets, daily attention, and veterinary care when needed.
The PAWS “adoption” packet contains a color photo, certificate, and information about the selected elephant, tiger, bear, monkey, or other animal at PAWS.
To adopt an animal, click here to access our “Adopt an Animal” page, and then follow directions.
You can also call the PAWS office at (209) 745-2606 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your credit card handy and tell us which animal you would like to “adopt.”
Please allow 7-10 days for receipt of the adoption packet.
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THANK YOU!
January Amazon Wish List Donors:
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Joleene Ladyman: one bottle of AminAvast, 60#. Judi Timm: one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Ellie Bryant: two syringes of Probiocin. Tamara Hallis: three syringes of Probiocin. Lynn Bruser: one syringe of Probiocin; one bottle of CosequinDS 132#; one bottle of AminAvast, 60#; one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#. Elizabeth Valentine: one bottle of Renal Essentals, 60#; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Amy K. Van Bebber: one syringe of Probiocin; one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#. Francine Taylor: one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Stacy Lindblom: four bottles of Renal Essentials, 60#. Nancy Gordon: three bottles of Cosequin DS, 132#; one pail of Biotin 100 powder, 5lbs. Erica M. Armstrong: two pails of Biotin 100 powder, 5lbs; one bag of pumpkin seeds, 5lbs. Joyce Hodel: one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#; one bottle of AminAvast, 60#; one syringe of Probiocin. Cecilia Matthews: one box of AA Batteries, 144#. Christina Almeida: one box of AA Batteries, 144#; one bottle of AminAvast, 60#. Anonymous: one bottle of Emcelle Tocopherol; one bag of Pepitas pumpkin seeds, 1lb; two bags of raisins, 5lbs. | |
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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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