PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.

Since 1984

February 2019 | Newsletter

Rescued tiger Pharaoh at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary.

The "Colorado Eight":

Two Years of Sanctuary at PAWS

This year PAWS is celebrating its 35 ^th anniversary , and the many wild a nimals we h ave cared for through the years. More than 250 animals have found safe refuge with PAWS, including 88 big cats, 19 elephants, and 19 bears. Of the animals no longer with us, we remember each and every one of them fondly; they all have a special place in our hearts. For those living at our sanctuaries today, we are honored to care for these deserving and remarkable creatures.

 

Two years ago, PAWS welcomed the Colorado Eight tigers – Marin (above), Pharaoh, Nimmo, Wilhelm, Sawyer, Bigelow, Rosemary Arnot, and Morris – to our ARK 2000 sanctuary. The tigers were among more than 100 animals in need of immediate placement after a roadside zoo in Colorado closed down. The tigers had been used to produce litters of cubs so the zoo could charge the public to play with and take photos with the babies.

 

Dozens of roadside facilities and pseudo-sanctuaries across the U.S. are engaged in the inhumane practice of cub petting. You may also see cub petting offered at county or state fairs. Cubs are forcibly taken from their mothers at birth, confined in small cages, often fed a nutritionally deficient diet, and denied proper veterinary care. They may be abused by handlers, who slap, shake and hit them for “acting up.” Cubs grow quickly, becoming unsafe to handle. The few that are kept for breeding are sentenced to a life of confinement in small, sterile cages. The rest are deemed unprofitable and may be discarded, sold or given to other unscrupulous people, and often live the rest of their lives being neglected or abused.

 

Today, the Colorado Eight live a far different life at ARK 2000, where they are thriving. Rather than spending their days pacing in small, barren cages, they now prowl among bushes and shady oak trees, stretch up to scratch on trees (yes, like a scratching post), or lie on their backs soaking up the sunshine, immersed in the sights and sounds of nature.

 

At PAWS, the tigers have found a new life where they are treated with respect, and where their dignity and individual needs are honored. In this environment, their individual personalities have emerged, ranging from spunky and talkative to being more calm and confident. All of them have become very comfortable in their new home.

Please consider making a special gift in honor of the Colorado Eight tigers and PAWS’ 35 ^th anniversary. Just click on the Donate button below.

 

You can “adopt” one (or more!) of the Colorado Eight by clicking here.

Big Cat Protection Bill Introduced in Congress

PAWS is part of a coalition of animal protection groups applauding the introduction of the Big Cat Public Safety Act , H.R. 1380 , in the U.S. House of Representatives. Championed by Representatives Michael Quigley of Illinois, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and 52 bipartisan co-sponsors, the bill would keep dangerous big cats like tigers, lions, leopards and cougars out of private hands and prohibit the use of big cat cubs for the public to pet, feed, take photos and play with. Cub petting attractions cause immeasurable suffering and threaten human safety. “Surplus” big cats produced by these operations can fuel the illegal market for animal parts and seriously undermine efforts to conserve these iconic animals. Currently, there is a patchwork of state laws regulating private ownership of big cats – and some states have no laws at all. A federal law is necessary to end the unregulated trade and nationwide abuse of big cats.

 

Read the press release here . Contact your U.S. representative today and ask that s/he support the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, with #71, a sickly, orphaned

baby African elephant who arrived at PAWS in 1986.

Highlights from PAWS' 35 Years of

Rescue, Sanctuary and Advocacy

In recognition of PAWS’ anniversary, throughout the year we will be sharing some of the highlights, achievements, and memorable moments from the last 35 years, starting in 1984 when former Hollywood animal trainer, the late Pat Derby, and partner Ed Stewart founded PAWS. That’s when PAWS’ critical work of rescuing, sheltering and advocating on behalf of captive wild animals began – and it continues as strongly as ever today under Ed's leadership.

While some moments are remembered for their importance in driving change for captive wild animal welfare, others are bittersweet. On February 15, 2013, PAWS mourned the loss of the inimitable Pat Derby (left). Her life’s work was recognized by news media worldwide. Local, state and federal governments honored her with dedications, resolutions, and by flying the U.S. flag at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of Pat and her incredible strength and courage in fighting animal exploitation or the special connection she had with the animals, helping them to heal and thrive. Her dream of providing a far more natural life for captive wild animals was realized in the ARK 2000 sanctuary, where elephants, big cats and bears roam vast, natural habitats far closer to what nature intended for them. Pat's legacy lives on through ARK 2000 and the dedication of sanctuary staff, who continue to help and serve the deserving and remarkable captive wild animals who were so close to her heart.

 

PAWS’ Highlights and Memorable Moments:

The First Five Years  

 

THE FUTURE OF WILDLIFE IS IN OUR HANDS

Take Action for Elephants

on World Wildlife Day!

March 3 is World Wildlife Day, a time to join the fight to protect the planet's threatened and endangered animals. Here are two actions you can take to help African elephants. You don't have to wait for March 3 to get started – please take action now !

More Baby Elephants to be Exported

from Zimbabwe to China

We are very sorry to report that Zimbabwe is preparing to transport yet another group of elephant calves to China, despite repeated protests by conservationists, animal protection groups, and elephant advocates.

 

The group is believed to include 35 elephant calves , some as young as two years old, who were separated from their mothers and are being held in pens at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Once sent to China the calves will be distributed to zoos, some of which may use elephants for circus-style shows. In the past calves have died during the long trip to China or after arriving at a zoo. Others were observed to be in poor condition.

 

Removal of the calves from their mothers causes trauma and lifelong suffering for mothers, their offspring, and families. Elephant families are tight-knit and highly protective of calves, and all the females, young and old, are involved in rearing them. Female elephants naturally remain with their mothers for life.

 

PAWS has led actions in the past, coordinating letters signed by conservationists and elephant experts urging Zimbabwean authorities to abandon live elephant exports. Sadly, our pleas fell on deaf ears. But that won’t stop us from raising our voices on behalf of the elephants – and it shouldn’t stop you from raising yours.

 

This will be the fourth time since 2012 that Zimbabwe has captured elephant calves and exported them to China, with a reported total of 108 calves. This must stop.

 

Please urge Zimbabwean authorities to cancel the transfer of the 35 calves, and ask them to abandon the cruel practice of ripping calves from their mothers and families and sentencing these vulnerable babies to a lifetime of suffering in barren zoo exhibits.

 

Take action!

 

Reach out to Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa via social media at:

https://twitter.com/edmnangagwa

https://www.facebook.com/presidentmnangagwa/

 

Keep your message respectful. Simply urge President Mnangagwa to cancel the transfer of 35 elephant calves to China and end the capture and export of elephant calves and other wildlife. Tell him the world is watching. #WorldWatchingZimElephants #StopElephantExports

 

You can send a message to the Zimbabwe ambassador to the United States, Ammon M. Mutembwa, at infor33@zimembassydc.gov.zw .

 

Sample message:

 

Dear Ambassador Mutembwa:

 

It is with great urgency that I request Zimbabwe cancel the transfer of 35 elephant calves to China, where they will live short and tortured lives, and end the capture of wild elephants.

 

Given the worldwide outrage over this latest capture, cancelling the elephant transfer would lift Zimbabwe in the eyes of the world and show that it is a responsible protector of its wildlife. This would also help promote the development of responsible wildlife tourism, which has the potential to generate far more income for the country than the sale of elephants to foreign zoos.

 

It has been estimated that a live elephant has a potential lifetime value to wildlife tourism of more than US$1.5 million, including income generated for travel companies, airlines, and local economies. The long-term loss of tourism dollars resulting from the capture and sale of elephant calves far outweighs any short-term financial gain.

 

Elephants are part of Zimbabwe’s great wildlife heritage, and we ask that you do all that you can to preserve and protect them. The world is watching Zimbabwe and hoping your government will do the right thing.

Please share this email with the Honorable President Mnangagwa.

 

Thank you.

Breaking News:

Action Needed for Elephants in Botswana!

Cabinet ministers in Botswana’s government have endorsed a report with recommendations that include lifting a four-year ban against the trophy hunting of elephants on public land, introducing culling, and establishing an elephant meat canning operation for pet food. This comes at a time when elephants continue to be poached in Botswana and elsewhere in Africa.

 

Let the government of Botswana know that its tourism industry will be damaged if the killing of elephants resumes. Tourism is critical to Botswana’s economy: It is the second largest source of foreign income after diamond mining.

 

Take Action!

 

The final decision on the fate of Botswana’s elephants lies with President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

 

Please contact President Masisi. You can Tweet him at  @OfficialMasisi  and @BWGovernment . Use the hashtag #LiveElephantsEqualTourism . Or post on Facebook here . Urge President Masisi to reject the trophy hunting and culling of elephants. Tell him that Botswana’s tourism industry is sure to suffer, as will the country’s international reputation.

 

You can also send a message to Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism by clicking  here . Also send a message to the Botswana Tourism Organization  here .

 

Please be respectful!  If you have visited Botswana or had planned to do so, include that in your message.

Sample message:

 

I am deeply concerned about the possibility that trophy hunting and the culling of elephants may be allowed in Botswana. If this happens, it is sure to adversely affect tourism and damage the country’s international reputation for its natural beauty and conservation of wildlife. 

 

I will not visit Botswana if elephants are killed for sport or pet food, and I will urge my friends, family and colleagues, including those on social media, to do the same.

I strongly urge His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, to reject any recommendations that allow the trophy hunting and culling of elephants. Please share my message with him.

 

Thank you.

California Introduces Bill

to Prohibit Wild Animal Acts  

California State Senator Ben Hueso has introduced SB 313 , the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act , a bill to prohibit the use of exotic or wild animals in a traveling animal act. The bill would impose a civil penalty for each violation of its provisions. SB 313 covers a range of animal performances, including carnivals, circuses, exhibitions, fairs, petting zoos, photo opportunities, rides, trade shows, and more.

 

Animals used for entertainment – including elephants, big cats, bears and primates – are subjected to inhumane conditions such as near constant travel, confinement in cramped pens and transport vehicles, and sterile environments – all of which adversely affect their health and well-being. Cruel devices and violent methods are often used to train and manage the animals, including the use of rods, whips and electric shock. The animals’ inability to cope with stressful and unnatural conditions is manifested in abnormal repetitive behaviors such as pacing in big cats and swaying and rocking in elephants. Although wild animals are dangerous and unpredictable, they are often displayed in close proximity to the public.

 

PAWS will be actively supporting this important bill and sharing information on how California residents can help. Stay tuned for more information!

PAWS thanks the Central Calaveras Fire Safety Elves for picking up firewood from the ARK 2000 sanctuary and distributing it free of charge to those in need.

Fire Safety Elves Visit ARK 2000!

Tree-trimming is one part of our fire safety program at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary, resulting in an abundance of firewood each year from the many oak and pine trees that dot the landscape. This year PAWS donated all of the accumulated wood to the Central Calaveras Fire Safety Elves . This local nonprofit distributes free firewood to seniors, veterans, disabled and low-income individuals living in Calaveras County who are physically or financially unable to obtain wood themselves.

For more information about this and other programs offered by the Elves, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit @firesafetyelves on Facebook or email firewoodelves@gmail.com .

Tickets Still Available for PAWS'

March 9th Open House at ARK 2000

We have a limited number of tickets still available for our upcoming ARK 2000 Open House to be held on Saturday, March 9th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for seniors (65 and over) and $35 for children age 12 and under. If you're planning to attend, we advise you to purchase your tickets early. 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, big cat 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, March 7th, or earlier if this event sells out.

Thank You February

Amazon Wish List Donors

Claire Osborne: one Looky Lou toy for the Capuchins. Ada and Olivia: one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link. Jan Summer: one qt. Red Cell; one gal. Red Cell. Linda McNall: two bottles of CosequinDS, 132#. Sandy Jones-Kaminski and Keith Kaminski: one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium. Cindy Rice-Meenahan: one 5 lb. bag of Diced Papaya. Kathryn M. Dodds: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium. Cary L. Dier: one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#. Lynn Quinlan: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium; one qt. of Red Cell. Shelly Anderson: one Probiocin. Carole Bognar: two 8 oz. bottles of EicosaDerm. William O'Malley: one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium. Joyce Hodel: three bottles of CosequinDS, 132#. Tracy Fox: one qt. Red Cell. Anonymous Donors: two bottles EicosaDerm, 16 oz.; two bottles Azodyl, 90#; one 20 lb. tub of Psyllium; one 25 lb. bag of peanuts in the shell; two Probiocin; four bottles of Emcelle Tocopherol.

Click on the Amazon Wish List link below to donate

specific items that are needed at our sanctuaries:

View "wish list" items that are needed,

but not listed on the Amazon list,  here .

There are many ways

you can help PAWS animals:

L-R: African elephants Lulu, Maggie and Toka at ARK 2000.

PHOTO BY ARK 2000 SANCTUARY MANAGER BRIAN BUSTA

PAWS provides lifetime care to the big cats, bears, elephants, and other animals who call our sanctuaries 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 generous donations make this excellent care possible.

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