PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.

Since 1984

Prince enjoying his pool

Stand with PAWS

This World Elephant Day!

Tuesday, August 12, is World Elephant Day – a time to speak up for elephants everywhere.

Too many captive elephants still suffer – chained and abused in circuses, their bodies and spirits broken for tourism, and confined in impoverished zoo enclosures.

At PAWS, we fight to stop the use of elephants in entertainment and to end their captivity through science-based advocacy and public policy work.

The six elephants we care for at our sanctuary – rescued or retired from zoos and circuses – now enjoy expansive natural areas where they can roam, forage, and decide how to spend their days.

They remind us every day that there’s so much more work to do. 

Here’s how you can help:

Say no to exploitation: Never support circuses, fairs, or other events with elephant acts or rides.

Be a responsible tourist: Pledge to never ride, take selfies with, or attend elephant shows, whether at home or abroad. Read more and sign our petition here.

Don’t be misled: Captive breeding and displaying elephants does not help these animals in the wild.

Support wild elephant protection: Donate to groups like the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, ElephantVoices, and Big Life Foundation.

Donate to PAWS: It costs over $200 a day to feed and care for just one elephant. Your gift supports the well-being of our elephants and other wild animals at PAWS.

Thank you for standing up for elephants!