PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.

Since 1984

Newsletter | August 2026

In this issue:

Milestone Animal Anniversaries

Registration Closing Soon for PAWS Int’l Captive Wildlife Conference

African Lion Pasha’s Birthday!

Victory for Nonhuman Primates in California

PAWS’ Veterinary Externship Program

American black bear Mack

Milestone Anniversaries for Mack,

 Zeppo, and Chico

This month, we’re celebrating some remarkable anniversaries for three beloved PAWS residents: capuchin monkeys Chico and Zeppo, and American black bear Mack.

It’s hard to believe Chico and Zeppo have been in our care for 30 years! They arrived in 1996, together with the late Groucho, after California authorities seized them from a private owner who kept dozens of monkeys in a dank basement. The monkeys lived in appalling conditions, surrounded by filth and with barely any food or water.

At PAWS, Zeppo and Chico enjoy a spacious enclosure built especially for them, where they can spend their days climbing, exploring, and engaging in playful behaviors.

Mack is a relative newcomer compared with Zeppo and Chico, having arrived at PAWS in 2016. He was an orphaned wild cub who became dependent on food offered by people, before being captured by California wildlife authorities. Mack is missing part of his right rear leg, but that has never slowed him down. As you can see in the photo, he can skillfully climb a tree.

Today, Mack roams a large, naturalistic habitat filled with bushes and broad oak trees. And as fall approaches, he’ll be looking forward to a bounty of acorns.

These anniversaries are a reminder of PAWS’ commitment to providing lifetime care for captive wild animals – one of the hallmarks of a true sanctuary. This commitment can span decades. African elephant Mara, for example, has been with us for 36 years!

Please consider making a special anniversary gift for Chico, Zeppo, Mack, or another PAWS resident – or “adopt” one of these special animals to help provide for their lifelong care. 

PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference Registration Closes Soon!

The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference – the world’s longest-running international conference dedicated to examining the realities of wild animals in captivity – will take place in Sacramento, California, October 2-3, with an optional trip to the PAWS sanctuary on October 4.

Registration ends September 25, or when the conference sells out. Capacity is limited.

This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of speakers and presentations, representing essential work in more than 10 countries.

The full conference program is now available on our conference website.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, engage in meaningful discussion, and connect with others committed to ending the exploitation of captive wild animals worldwide.

The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference will not return until 2028.

For conference details and registration information, click on the button below.

Birthday Wishes for African Lion Pasha

Join us in wishing Pasha a happy 11^th birthday! Pasha arrived at PAWS in May 2025, after being seized by authorities from an Oregon roadside zoo under investigation for severe animal neglect. This tall, regal lion – who also has a playful side – quickly won over everyone at PAWS. We’re delighted to celebrate another year of Pasha’s life, and to provide him with a more natural life and the love he deserves. You can “adopt” Pasha here.

Victory for Nonhuman Primates and the People of California 

We’re thrilled to report that the California Fish and Game Commission recently voted to deny a petition that would have allowed certain nonhuman primates to be kept as pets.

PAWS submitted written comments and spoke in strong opposition to the petition during the Commission hearing, explaining that the private ownership of even small- and medium-sized monkeys threatens animal welfare and public health and safety, while imposing substantial costs on law enforcement, public agencies, and taxpayers.

If private ownership were to be allowed, sanctuaries like ours would have to provide costly, lifetime care for confiscated or surrendered primate pets – taking up space for captive wild animals in need.

For 30 years, PAWS has cared for two capuchin monkeys, Chico and Zeppo, rescued from a private owner in California who kept dozens of neglected and malnourished monkeys in deplorable conditions. We have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars providing lifetime care for these two monkeys alone. 

We thank the Commission for its vote and for upholding our state’s longstanding protections governing the possession of nonhuman primates. And thanks to everyone who took action – you made a difference!

Let’s keep working together to keep wild animals out of the pet trade, stop captive breeding, and protect these animals – and the public – from the dangers of private ownership

Veterinary extern Abi Hsu listens to Franklin's heart during an anesthetized procedure. Franklin's overgrown claws were trimmed, and he received a head-to-toe physical examination by our veterinary team. 

PAWS' Veterinary Externship Program Hosts Standout Student

PAWS recently had the pleasure of welcoming senior University of California-Davis veterinary student, Abi Hsu, (pictured) for an immersive, week-long externship. 

Working alongside Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jackie Gai, Abi gained firsthand experience in the medical care and welfare of captive wild animals, as well as exploring the complex ethical questions surrounding these animals. 

“The week I spent at PAWS was one of the most formative and memorable experiences of my veterinary education,” Abi shared. “During my externship, I witnessed the intricacies of geriatric elephant care and participated in an anesthetized tiger examination. 

“I was inspired by the unparalleled dedication and passion that each team member exudes at PAWS. Not only did I learn about high-quality captive wildlife medicine, but Dr. Gai fostered deeply meaningful ethical discussions that have shaped my perspective on captivity.”

Abi also developed and presented a lecture for PAWS' elephant caregivers about the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV), an often-fatal disease that primarily affects young elephants. The presentation was enthusiastically received and stimulated thoughtful questions and meaningful discussion among the caregiving team.

PAWS’ veterinary externship program provides aspiring veterinarians with hands-on experience in a sanctuary setting while introducing them to the specialized medical needs of captive wild animals and PAWS’ approach to animal care and welfare. It also gives us an opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation of veterinary professionals.

We thoroughly enjoyed having Abi at PAWS, and we wish her all the best in what is sure to be a bright future. 

Did you know that you can help the animals at PAWS with just a few clicks?

Our Amazon Wish List includes items we use every day at the sanctuary, such as health supplements, food, batteries, and other essentials. 

By purchasing directly from the list, you support PAWS and help give the animals the best care possible.

Click here to see needed items and make your purchase!

Thank You to Our August Amazon Wish List Donors:

Shaw Law Group: Legal services. Helmut & Maria Rogasch: one bottle of Emcelle Tocopherol, 1000ml; two bags of Peaches, 1lb; two packs of AA Batteries, 48ct; one bag of Pears, 1lb; one bottle of Kidney Support for dogs, 60#; two bottles of Cosequin DS, 132#; two bottles of Kidney Health, 60#; one bottle of Sore-No-More Liniment, 64oz. Bill Fedun: one bottle of Cosequin DS, 132#; one bottle of Kidney Health, 60#; one bottle of Kidney Support for Dogs, 60#; Anonymous: two bottles of Kidney Health, 60#; one bottle of Cosequin DS, 132#; one bag of Blueberries, 1lb; one bag of Pecans, 2lbs; two bags of Peaches,1lb; one bottle of Kidney Support for dogs, 60#; one bag of Pears 1lb; one bag of Pine Nuts, 2lbs; one bag of Sunflower Seeds, 5lbs; one bottle of Emcelle Tocopherol, 1000ml.

RESCUED TIGER FALCOR

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:

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.

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, 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 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!