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PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
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Animal Care at PAWS: White Tiger Falcor Undergoes Cutting-Edge Eye Surgery
by Dr. Jackie Gai, PAWS Director of Veterinary Services
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PAWS rescues and cares for many formerly abused and neglected captive wild animals. As a result, our veterinary team encounters many conditions related to the harms caused by their prior captivity.
From early-onset arthritis in elephants, to metabolic bone disease in hand-raised tiger cubs, we see a range of medical conditions commonly affecting victims of the wildlife exploitation trade.
Unfortunately, white tigers are particularly susceptible to health problems because of the intentional inbreeding required to produce their novel color.
Mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers carrying a recessive gene for white coloration are bred with each other, sometimes generation after generation, to try to produce white cubs.
Tragically, inbreeding can lead to a variety of genetic defects that cause health problems such as cleft palate, crossed eyes, and deformities of the limbs and spinal column.
Falcor, a white tiger who arrived at PAWS in 2021 together with Herman, was among 68 big cats seized by the U.S. government from Jeff Lowe, notorious for his role in the Netflix docuseries Tiger King. The government had cited Lowe’s failure to provide basic veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and safe living conditions.
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In May, Falcor underwent cutting-edge surgery, thanks to veterinarians from the University of California-Davis, who used a new laser treatment called photodynamic therapy to remove a small tumor from his lower right eyelid. The mass was first noticed by caregiving staff in March during routine daily care. Several months earlier, we had surgically removed a benign mass from his lower left eyelid.
Since that surgery we've been watching Falcor closely for skin growths. Histopathology confirmed that the most recent mass was a melanoma, a form of skin cancer that has the potential to metastasize throughout the body.
Although skin cancer can occur in any animal, animals with light-colored coats are at higher risk of developing the disease.
We are pleased to report that we removed the mass in its entirety, with good margins around the tumor, but we will remain vigilant as we monitor Falcor for regrowth or additional mass formation.
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Supporting PAWS' veterinary team were specialists from UC Davis' Veterinary Ophthalmology Service. The UCD team included: Drs. Kathy Good and Lauren Charnock (faculty ophthalmologists), Dr. Sara Adelman (resident), and Sheri Tatham and Nikki Rochin (registered veterinary technicians). PAWS is deeply grateful for their expertise and support. Read the UC Davis news release about Falcor's eye surgery here.
Please consider making a contribution to PAWS’ veterinary health program. To donate, click here. And please keep Falcor and all the rescued animals at PAWS in your thoughts and hearts.
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Media Spotlight: Good Day Sacramento Visits PAWS for International Tiger Day | |
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On July 29, Cody’s Caravan from Good Day Sacramento visited PAWS for International Tiger Day to help us spotlight the plight of tigers around the world.
Tigers Nimmo and Wilhelm playfully romped in the early morning sun as Good Day Sacramento host Cody Stark interviewed PAWS CEO Chris Draper (pictured) and Director of Science, Research and Public Policy Catherine Doyle. They discussed the endangered status of tigers in the wild and the many problems associated with keeping them in captivity.
You can watch the show’s segments here, here, and here.
A big thank you to Cody Stark, a fan and friend of PAWS, and CBS News Sacramento for the opportunity to educate their viewers about tigers on their special day – and for helping spread the message that tigers belong in the wild, not in captivity!
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Colorado Residents, Get Ready to Vote!
The Wild Cat Protection Initiative Is on the November Ballot
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Cats Aren’t Trophies, a Colorado political committee and coalition, has successfully secured a spot on the November 2024 ballot for an initiative aimed at protecting the state’s wild cats. PAWS is proud to be among nearly 100 organizations endorsing this important effort.
The initiative aims to stop the use of packs of dogs and traps to kill mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx for their heads and fur.
According to Cats Aren’t Trophies, much of the killing that takes place in Colorado is commercial, with mountain lion hunting guides charging an $8,000 fee to guarantee a “trophy” and trappers selling bobcat pelts to China.
Vote yes in November to protect wild cats in Colorado!
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Another Statewide Circus Ban! Massachusetts Prohibits Wild Animals in Traveling Shows | |
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It took 23 years, but Massachusetts has finally passed a statewide ban on the use of elephants, big cats, bears, and nonhuman primates in traveling exhibits and shows.
Governor Maura Healey signed the bill into law this month, making Massachusetts the second state this year to pass such a ban; Maryland passed its legislation in May.
PAWS is proud to have contributed to this effort throughout the years by providing expert testimony and motivating our supporters in Massachusetts to contact their legislators. Thank you to everyone who contacted their state legislators, and congrats to the Humane Society of the U.S. who never gave up on this state!
There are now 11 states that have passed regulations affecting traveling shows and circuses.
State bans
California
Colorado
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Hawaii
Bans on elephants in traveling shows
Illinois
New York
Bullhook bans
Virginia
Rhode Island
Other
Kentucky - Bans endangered species in circuses and exotic animals at county fairs; also prohibits elephant rides
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Register Now for the 2024 PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference and 40th Anniversary Celebration! | |
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Join us in Los Angeles, California, on November 9 and 10, for the world’s only International Captive Wildlife Conference, and to celebrate PAWS’ remarkable 40 years of rescue, sanctuary, education, and advocacy.
Leading experts from over half a dozen countries will discuss the latest developments regarding captive elephants, marine mammals, big cats, and other wild animals used for entertainment. You’ll hear about new trends, key advances, challenges, and solutions.
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In conjunction with the conference, we will be commemorating PAWS’ milestone with a special 40th Anniversary Evening Celebration (including celebrity guests!) on November 9, making it an occasion you won’t want to miss.
Click here for more information, including the current list of speakers (with more to come!). We look forward to seeing you in November!
Sponsorships for the Conference and Evening Celebration are available. Please contact Kim Gardner, PAWS' director of programs, at kimkleingardner@yahoo.com or call 916-539-5305.
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THANK YOU!
August Amazon Wish List Donors:
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Joyce Hodel: one box of Oranges, 35lbs. Diane M. McHenry: one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#. Lynn Bruser: one box of Denamarin, 30#. Sandy Gwinner: one box of Denamarin, 30#. Sandra Wilson: two bottles of AminAvast, 60#. Glenna Lee: one box of Oranges, 35lbs. Christine Castellon: one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. | |
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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.
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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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