Maggie Has Another
Appointment With The Dentist
The care and welfare of the animals at PAWS is our number one priority. This includes the important work of maintaining dental health. In April 2016, African elephant Maggie underwent a mammoth procedure to address an impacted molar tooth that was causing problems. PAWS' Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jackie Gai organized and led a team of more than 25 experienced elephant care experts - including nine veterinarians, a dentist, three registered veterinary technicians, and PAWS elephant care staff - to safely accomplish the procedure. Maggie slept peacefully under general anesthesia (see photo below) as part of her impacted tooth was successfully removed, however, a portion of the tooth proved to be too difficult to extract. During the course of the procedure we also made the unfortunate discovery that two other molars were not positioned properly and would need future work.
 
Maggie's professional care-giving staff, led by Elephant Manager Brian Busta, were instrumental in ensuring Maggie's comfort and well-being before, during and after the procedure. Maggie recovered well and got right back to her active, busy lifestyle. Her dental problems, although significant, have so far had no effect on her appetite or ability to chew. She enjoys spending long days traversing the rolling hills of the African elephant habitat, grazing on lush green Spring grass, mud bathing, and exploring her environment with her close friends Lulu and Toka.
 
Plans are currently underway for a second anesthetized procedure to attempt extraction of the impacted tooth and to trim areas of her other teeth that are growing abnormally. Many of the same veterinarians, dentists, and staff will again work together to make things as safe, efficient, and effective as possible for Maggie. Elephant anesthesia is inherently risky and challenging, and is only performed when absolutely necessary for the health and welfare of an elephant. We are extremely grateful to have the assistance of some of the most experienced professionals in the world to help Maggie.
 
Click here to read Dr. Gai's article, Maggie Undergoes Major Dental Procedure, which was published in our May 2016 newsletter. The article discusses current theory about why so many captive elephants are affected by dental disease.

Please help us help Maggie!
Maggie's dental procedures are extremely expensive - her first procedure cost approximately $70,000 and this next one will cost about the same. This is due to the number of highly qualified people involved, the specialized equipment needed, and the time required to plan and perform the procedure. Your financial support is both needed and greatly appreciated.

PAWS' Dedication to Animals Is for Life:
March Anniversaries

When PAWS rescues or receives wild animals in need of sanctuary, we commit to many years of providing the best possible care for them. Meet the animals with March anniversary dates marking their arrival at PAWS - all of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. We also remember PAWS' co-founder, the late Pat Derby, who so passionately dedicated her life to the cause of captive wild animals.
 

18 years at PAWS:
A victim of the exotic pet trade, Alexander the black leopard arrived at PAWS' Galt sanctuary on March 11, 1999. Read more about Alexander in our September 2016 and June 2013 newsletters.


 

15 years at PAWS:
This month marks Arthur the bear's 15th anniversary at PAWS. He arrived at our Galt sanctuary on March 5, 2002. Read more about Arthur, here.






 

12 years at PAWS:
Lulu arrived at the ARK 2000 sanctuary from the San Francisco Zoo on March 12, 2005. Now 51 years old, Lulu is one of the oldest African elephants in the country. Click here to watch a 1968 video of Lulu's arrival at the Zoo. Read more about Lulu and the other PAWS elephants, here.









4 Years Ago:
During her lifetime, PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, touched the lives of countless people and animals through her groundbreaking rescue and advocacy work. So it was no surprise that her memorial event, held on March 29, 2013, at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, California, was filled with friends and colleagues who came to honor Pat and celebrate her life and work. Click here to view our April 2013 report.





UPCOMING PAWS EVENTS



 "PAWS Elephant Grape Stomp:
An Afternoon In TUSKany"
Tickets Still Available
 
The 11th annual "Elephant Grape Stomp: An Afternoon In TUSKany" will take place on April 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m at ARK 2000 in San Andreas. As PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, once explained in her blog, Rumblings From PAWS, the idea for the PAWS "Grape Stomp" originated with the elephants themselves, who have a fondness for "everything grape."
 
When Pat and Ed were caring for the sickly young elephant, 71, Pat searched for fruits that 71 would eat. She came across an anecdote about a group of elephants in Africa who gorged themselves on a tree filled with overripe, fermented fruit, becoming a "riotous party of drunken elephants." Pat discovered that 71 would occasionally eat small amounts of a variety of fruits, but she devoured none of them as quickly as she did grapes. Soon, local vineyards began to donate their pruned vines to PAWS, which 71 and the other elephants ate like candy. As a celebration of elephants and their beloved grapes, the Grape Stomp fundraiser was created.
 
One of the highlights of this event is always the Ms./Mr. TUSKany contest where you get to vote for your favorite elephant, with the winner being "crowned" Ms. or Mr. TUSKany. The "crown" is actually a beautiful edible bouquet made of favorite elephant foods, and first and second runners-up get a tasty bouquet as well. (The other elephants each get a special treat later that day.) Previous winners include Lulu, Maggie, Nicholas and the late Wanda, with Maggie the toughest contender, winning three times.
 
Tickets for the Grape Stomp are $100 per person and include Tuscan cuisine (vegetarian and vegan) courtesy of Il Fornaio, wine tasting provided by more than a dozen of Northern California's award-winning wineries (see list below), a silent auction to benefit the elephants (this year's auction will include items from the estate of Pat Derby), and shuttle service around the ARK 2000 sanctuary - allowing you to visit the lions, tigers, bears, leopard, and of course, the elephants. This is an adults-only event. The winner of the 2017 Ms./Mr. TUSKany Contest will be announced at 2 p.m. 
  
A limited number of tickets are still available. Purchase yours today!
 
Click here to learn more about the Grape Stomp, and to buy your tickets and vote for your favorite elephant(s) online. You may also call our office at (209) 745-2606, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, to charge tickets and vote. Tickets are $100 each and must be purchased in advance of the event, "votes" are $5 each. Ticket sales and voting end on Thursday, April 13; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. 
 
No grapes are actually stomped at the event!

As we go to press, area wineries that will be participating in this year's event include: Bodega del Sur, Black Sheep, Frog's ToothIrish Family Vineyards, Ironstone, Michael David, Milliaire, Moody Ridge, RenegadeRenner, Stevenot, Val du Vino, Vina Moda, Wilderotter and Zucca Mountain.

Tickets Now On Sale!
May 13th ARK 2000 Open House
 
Tickets are now on sale for our upcoming ARK 2000 Open House to be held on Saturday, May 13th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices are $50 for adults, $25 for seniors (60 and over) and $25 for children age 12 and under. No tickets will be sold at the gate on the day of the event and these events do sell out.
 
Visitors to ARK 2000 open houses will board shuttles to the bear, lion, tiger, leopard and elephant habitats. Once you exit the shuttle you will be walking on grass, dirt, gravel, and sometimes paved surfaces, so please wear comfortable shoes. PAWS management, keepers and volunteers will be on hand to tell you about the animals and answer questions. A gift shop will be available on the day of the event. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards.
 
This event happens rain or shine. Tickets are not refundable.
 
Two ways to purchase:  Click here to buy online and print your tickets at home; or call 209-745-2606, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, to charge by phone. Visit our calendar of events page for more information. Ticket sales close on Thursday, May 11th,  or earlier if this event sells out.

The ARK 2000 sanctuary is not open to the public. We schedule only a limited number of educational events throughout the year. Our next ARK 2000 Open House will be held on December 9th. Tickets will go on sale approximately 60 days prior to the event. Check our Calendar of Events for more information.


Save The Date!
 
Starting at midnight on May 4th, PAWS will once again be participating in the Sacramento, California, region's Big Day of Giving. This 24-hour online giving challenge is a program of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation's initiative to grow local philanthropy, shine a spotlight on the work of nonprofits in our area, and help participating organizations raise much-needed funds. Last year PAWS' was thrilled to receive more than $32,000 in donations during the 24-hour event!
 
Mark this day on your calendar now! We will continue to update you as we get closer to this important event. Watch for special email alerts and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. May the 4th be with you!




Pictured L-R: PAWS board member Carol Haft with Barbara Ballas,
Auburn Honda general manager David Jones and Rocky Ballas.

Second Annual Bicycle Raffle
Benefitted PAWS' Animals
 
PAWS management and staff sincerely thank  Auburn Honda in Auburn, Calif., for holding its second annual bicycle raffle to benefit the animals at the three PAWS sanctuaries. Tickets for the raffle were sold at our March 11th Open House at ARK 2000 and at the dealership. This event raised $627 for the animals, and the lucky winner was Larry Mavzzuca!
 
Special thanks to PAWS board member Carol Haft, who sold raffle tickets at the dealership, along with PAWS' friends Barbara and Rocky Ballas. We would also like to thank:  Auburn Honda Service Department Coordinator and Customer Relations Representative Leanne Price for arranging this event; Auburn Honda General Manager David Jones for his generosity and continued support; and to volunteer Pam Sinning who helped sell tickets at PAWS' March open house event.

 
THANK YOU!
March Amazon Wish List Donors 
  
We are so grateful for the response we have been receiving to our Amazon.com Wish List, which makes it easy to donate much-needed items to PAWS. Just click on the link below to see the current list of items on Amazon, and choose the ones you would like to buy. There are even notes explaining why these items are important to the care we provide for the animals and the operation of our three sanctuaries. Wish List items come in a range of prices, so anyone can help the big cats, bears, elephants, primates, and other animals at PAWS.
  
As of March 28, 2017, we have received the following donations. Some items have arrived as anonymous, so we may not be able to thank you properly, but you know who you are! 

Margaret Demany: one 30 lb. bag of Blue Buffalo for the bears; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132 for our older tigers, lion and bears; six Probiocin oral gels for the tigers. Carole Bognar: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium. Joel Reiff: one 20 lb. box of oranges for the elephants. Jeff: five Probiocin oral gels for the tigers; one 48-pk of AA batteries; one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium for the elephants. Joyce Hodel: one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60# for our smaller animals with kidney problems; one 32 oz. bottle of Wheat Germ Oil; one gallon Red Cell supplement; one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Skin & Coast for the elephants; one case of Hammermill copy paper.

Anonymous Gifts: one case of copy paper for the Galt office; one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium;  one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Skin & Coat. 
 
View wish list items that are needed,
but not listed on the Amazon list, here.


There are many ways you can help PAWS animals:
 
 
 
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!
  
PAWS Amazon Wish List

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.

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.

FOR EVERYONE WHO SHOPS ONLINE!
Shop through IGIVE and raise money for PAWS!
Up to 26% of your purchase - at more than 1,600 retailers - can be donated to PAWS.
  
  
PAWS is rated
a 4-Star Charity 
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 .

Estates/Planned Giving
You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home!
 
Donate To PAWS
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


PAWS merchandise is fun, educational,
and makes great gifts for any occasion !
PAWS' Note Cards
Bears, Tigers, Elephants
Dozens of different designs are now available in our gift shop.
$24.99 for a set of 10 + tax + worldwide shipping

More items, more designs, more fun - all to benefit the animals at PAWS!
Logo clothing available in adult, children, toddler and infant sizes.


"Seeing the Elephant" Weekend Getaways | PAWS Animal Adoptions
Both available for gift purchases.
  
Stay Connected
PO Box 849
Galt, CA 95632
(209) 745-2606