PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.

Since 1984

Newsletter | July 2026

In this issue:

Welcoming Two New Tigers at PAWS / How to Identify a True Captive Wildlife Sanctuary /

Celebrating Elephant Prince’s 15-year Anniversary / International Tiger Day and How You Can Help / Early Bird Savings for PAWS’ International Captive Wildlife Conference 

J.B and Franklin

Meet J.B. and Franklin,

the Newest Tigers at PAWS 

Please join us in welcoming two new tigers to the PAWS family, 11-year-old J.B. and 13-year-old Franklin! We now care for nine rescued tigers.

J.B. and Franklin (pictured) were among a group of tigers relocated to a private facility in Northern California by the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, a sham “sanctuary” that was facing a state-led shutdown after repeated animal welfare violations. The tigers were reportedly moved in an attempt to avoid their confiscation by authorities. Eventually, the operator of the Northern California facility asked the Oakland Zoo to help find permanent homes for the tigers.

Since arriving last month, both tigers have continued to settle in, while providing glimpses into their unique personalities and preferences.

One of the first things J.B. did after stepping into his new habitat was head for his pool and dive right in. He quickly revealed his favorite pastime: leisurely soaks with only his head visible above the water.

Franklin likes to curl up for a nap in his cozy den, and he enjoys the soft grass that covers his habitat – a simple pleasure he had not experienced before.

For years, these tigers lived in barren cages with little opportunity to express natural behaviors. Today, they have grass under their paws, shady places to rest, and pools to splash or contentedly lounge in. 

J.B relaxing in his pool

The Kirshner Connection

J.B. and Franklin aren’t the first animals at PAWS who were once held at the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation – and now have a new life.

In April 2024, PAWS welcomed Cleo, a tiger cub seized by California authorities from Kirshner. She was suffering from severe metabolic bone disease, a painful condition caused by improper nutrition that left her with multiple bone fractures and unable to walk. Thanks to expert care, today Cleo is an active and healthy young tiger.

Less than a year later, in March 2025, black bear Dally and mountain lion Casey also found refuge at PAWS, having been seized by state authorities, along with bobcat Archer.  

Black bear Dally explores her habitat

Dally arrived morbidly obese, likely due to an improper diet and years of confinement in a small cage. Thanks to a healthy diet and dedicated care, Dally has lost weight, gained muscle, and even climbed a tree – something she likely had never been able to do before.

Then, in September 2025, bobcat Archer joined the PAWS family after completion of his new habitat.

With the arrival of J.B. and Franklin, six animals from the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation – which for years was widely criticized for poor animal care – have found safety and lifelong sanctuary at PAWS. They are safe and provided with nutritious diets, compassionate care, and the opportunity to be their wild selves.

Bobcat Archer is now safe at PAWS

Bird's eye view of PAWS' 2,300 acre sanctuary

How to Tell a True

Captive Wildlife Sanctuary

Many facilities promote themselves as “sanctuaries”, even though they are sanctuaries in name only. These operations often portray themselves as animal rescue or conservation organizations while exploiting captive wild animals for profit through breeding, public encounters, or entertainment.

How do you tell if a sanctuary is legitimate? Here are the signs that a facility is not a true sanctuary:

• Poor conditions: Small cages, barren pens, and lack of opportunities for natural behaviors (e.g., pools, climbing structures). True sanctuaries strive to provide spacious, stimulating habitats that promote animal well-being.

• Baby animals: Legitimate sanctuaries typically rescue adult animals who are unwanted or have been confiscated. Wild cat or bear cubs, infant primates, young kangaroos, or other baby animals often indicate that animals are bought or purpose-bred to attract visitors.

• Breeding program: True sanctuaries do not breed animals. Their mission is to provide lifelong refuge, not produce more animals for captivity.

• Buying, selling, or trading animals: Ethical sanctuaries do not treat animals as commodities. Rescued animals are given a permanent home.

• Public contact: If visitors can pet, feed, hold, walk with, or pose for photos with wild animals, the facility is putting profits ahead of animal welfare.  

• Performances or entertainment: Wild animals should never be made to perform tricks, participate in shows, or appear at so-called “educational” events.  



Accreditation is another important indicator. PAWS is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of animal care, safety, ethics, and governance. We are also a member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance – another sign of a true sanctuary.

Be sure to avoid sham "sanctuaries" or "rescues" displaying any of the red flags above. Instead, support accredited, true sanctuaries that put animal welfare first.

Video of Prince enjoying his pool

Celebrating Prince’s 15-year Anniversary at PAWS

Fifteen years ago this month, Prince arrived at PAWS, leaving the circus behind to begin to a new life at the sanctuary.

Prince was born at what is now the Oregon Zoo in Portland. At just 16 months of age, he was cruelly separated from his mother and sent to perform in the circus. While much of his early life remains unknown, we know one thing for certain: Prince is exactly where he belongs now.

Today, Prince enjoys a very different life. He can explore his spacious habitat at will, nap on a hillside, or submerge himself in his pool. He has a sweet way of communicating with his caregivers through soft “chirps.”

Now 39 years old, Prince walks with a stiff gait, a lasting reminder of the physical toll captivity can take. Arthritis is common among captive elephants, often resulting from years of inadequate exercise, chaining, improper foot care, and poor nutrition.

To keep him comfortable, Prince receives daily medications and joint supplements, carefully tucked in favorite treats.

Perhaps what Prince treasures most is the simple choice to be outdoors in nature, whether basking in the sunshine or enjoying the rain. For the first time in his life, he can choose how to spend his day, free to take in the sights, scents, and sounds of the natural world.

As we celebrate Prince’s 15^th anniversary at PAWS, we invite you to honor this remarkable elephant. Click here to “adopt” Prince, or make a special anniversary gift here to support the rescued and retired wild animals who now call PAWS home. 

International Tiger Day Is Here!

Wednesday, July 29, is International Tiger Day – a reminder that while wild tiger populations face threats from habitat loss and poaching, captive tigers also need our attention. Tigers are still exploited for entertainment, in roadside zoos, and for the exotic pet trade worldwide.

At PAWS, we honor our nine tigers: Meg, Nimmo, Cleo, J.B., Falcor, Franklin, Herman, Morris and Rosemary – who were rescued from cub petting operations, roadside zoos, or sham “sanctuaries.”

You can help protect tigers:

• Never attend circuses or traveling shows that use wild animals. Learn more here.
• Avoid roadside zoos and attractions that exploit tigers.
• Raise awareness about the challenges facing tigers in the wild and captivity.
• Travel responsibly by skipping tiger encounters and photo opportunities.
• Choose products that support sustainable forestry and reduce deforestation.
• Support legitimate conservation organizations working in tiger range countries.

You can also “adopt “ a PAWS tiger or make a one-time or monthly gift to help provide lifelong care for rescued wild animals while supporting PAWS’ rescue, advocacy, and sanctuary work.

Together, we can help end tiger exploitation and give these magnificent cats the safe, secure future they deserve.

Don’t Miss Early Bird Savings for the PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference

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.

Register early and save! Substantial early bird discounts are available through Friday, August 14.

This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of speakers and presentations.

Day one will explore a range of pressing issues, including the exotic pet trade, public encounters with captive wild animals, marine mammals, international big cat rescues, and an investigation into the U.S. captive bird trade.

Day two is devoted to elephants. Attendees will hear from leading elephant experts including researchers Shermin de Silva, Liv Baker, and Khatijah Rahmat. Additional presentations will examine elephant tourism, sanctuary care – including Portugal’s new Pangea Elephant Sanctuary– and other topics affecting elephant welfare and conservation.

We are also pleased to welcome three acclaimed authors: Carol Bradley, author of Last Chain on Billy and a forthcoming book on captive tigers; Andrew Westoll, whose forthcoming book scrutinizes modern zoos; and Eve D’Vincent, author of Captive Ambassadors.

For conference details, a list of confirmed speakers, and registration information, click here.

Join us to learn, engage in meaningful discussion, and connect with others committed to ending the exploitation of captive wildlife worldwide!

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 July Amazon Wish List Donors:

Leslie: one bottle of Kidney Health, 60#; one bag of Sunflower Seeds, 5lbs. Maureen Moss: four bottles of Kidney Health, 60#. Anonymous: two bags of Sunflower Seeds, 5lbs; five bottles of Emcelle Tocopherol, 1000ml; two packs of N95 Face Masks; two bottles of Healthy Heart, 90#; three bags of Dried Pears, 1lb; one bag of Pumpkin Seeds, 5lbs; three bags of Peaches, 1lb; one bottle of Kidney Support, 60#; four bottles of Sore-No-More Liniment.

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!