Performing Animal Welfare Society -- PAWS

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News and Alerts

2020

April 5, 2020: For World Health Day, PAWS joined more than 200 organizations in calling on the World Health Organization to recommend that governments around the world permanently ban live wildlife markets and the use of wildlife in traditional medicine. These actions would help protect human life from future pandemics such as COVID-19. Sixty percent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, and 70% of these are believed to originate in wild animals. The trade in wild animals contributes to the global decline in wildlife and biodiversity and causes immense animal suffering. You can read the letter here.

2019

August 19, 2019: PAWS is proud to join elephant experts from around the world in a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opposing the import of wild caught elephants to U.S. zoos. Read letter here.

March 20, 2019: It is with deep sadness that we report the death of beloved black bear Arthur who arrived at PAWS 17 years ago this month. His estimated age at that time was about 10 years. He leaves a giant, bear-sized hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and who had the honor of caring for him. Read Arthur's story here.

2018

July 2018: July 29th is International Tiger Day — a time to raise awareness of the great need to conserve these magnificent animals and the habitats on which their lives depend. Click here for more information on tigers and actions you can take to help.

May 2018: Exotic and Wild Animal Attractions. . . Coming to Your Local Fair. Click here to find out what you can do to help.

February 6, 2018: Take Action! USDA Considering Terrible Plan to Allow Animal Exploitation Industries to Self-Police. Click here to find out what you can do to help.

January 11, 2018: PAWS President Ed Stewart urges New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to sign Nosey's Law (A4386/S2508A) to prohibit the use of wild animals in traveling shows. Read Ed's letter here.

2017

October 2017: Message from PAWS' President Ed Stewart — "There's a big cat crisis in the U.S. and it's spiraling out of control." Click here to read.

September 6, 2017: Open letter to FJ Productions regarding its making of film with live elephant. Click here to read.

June 2, 2017: Take action to stop big cats export to a German circus! Click here to see what you can do to help.

April 21, 2017: PAWS statement on Los Angeles City Council motion regarding Asian elephant Billy. Click here to read.

April 2017: Special Veterinary Care For Tiger Roy. Click here to read.to read.

January 25, 2017: A ribbon-cutting ceremony at ARK 2000 marked the official opening of The Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center named in honor of PAWS' co-founder the late Pat Derby. Click here for more information on the 1,800 sq. ft. veterinary facility.

2016

December 24, 2016: Help a tiger for the holdiays. PAWS is preparing to embark on yet another rescue, taking in eight tigers in need.

August 31, 2016: Global March for Elephants & Rhinos, September 24th. PAWS will be marching in San Francisco. Please join us. Find out more here.

August 29, 2016: Governor Brown signs California bullhook ban. Read here.

August 23, 2016: PAWS sends letter to California Governor Jerry Brown asking him to sign the elephant bullhook ban (SB 1062) into law. Read PAWS' letter here.

August 17, 2016: PAWS gives lifetime home to young, 3-legged black bear. Read about "Mack" here.

August 12, 2016: World Elephant Day. Read here.

June 14, 2016: Statement by entertainment industry professionals in support of SB 1062 (elephant protection). Read here.

May 25, 2016: Partnership with Swaziland on Elephant Import May Implicate Zoos in Destructive Rhino Horn Trade, by Catherine Doyle

February 16, 2016: California Senator Ricardo Lara introduces SB 1062, legislation to ban the elephant bullhook in California. Click here for more information. Find out who supports this bill by clicking here. Find answers to frequently asked questions about the bullhook here.

2015

November 23, 2015: PAWS, working with Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and a private attorney, submits comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding U.S. zoos' request to import elephants from Swaziland. Click here to read.

September 15, 2015: FAQs - Fire Preparedness at the Performing Animal Welfare Society's ARK 2000 Sanctuary.

July 7, 2015: An impressive list of entertainment industry professionals support SB 716, the California bill that would ban the elephant bullhook in California. Read their letter and see who has signed on. Click here.

May 22, 2015: California Senate passes SB 716, bill to prohibit use of bullhooks on elephants. Read more here. To view a list of supporters of SB 716 click here. More organizations support SB 716. View the list, current as of July 26, 2015, here.

April 1, 2015: PAWS has once again received Charity Navigator's coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Read the letter we received from Charity Navigator CEO John P. Dugan.

March 5, 2015: Hollywood celebrities partner with PAWS in support of California AB 96. Read their letter here.

January 29, 2015: PAWS collaborates with 36 elephant experts, conservationists and animal care, policy and welfare professionals from around the world to send a letter to the Zimbabwe Ambassador to the United States, Ammon Mutembwa, condemning the export of more than 60 wild-caught elephant calves and other wildlife rounded up in Hwange National Park. Read the letter here. Click here to read Ambassador Mutembwa's response, which includes a letter and a disturbing position statement on the sale of live animals.

2014

December 14, 2014: PAWS collaborates with some of the world's leading elephant experts, conservationists and animal care, policy and welfare professionals in sending a letter to the government of Zimbabwe opposing the export of more than 30 wild-caught elephant calves and other wildlife rounded up in Hwange National Park. Read the letter here.

November 8, 2014: PAWS was proud to present the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, Amanda Gorman, who drew a standing ovation at our 30th Anniversary Gala on November 8, 2014, for her poem specially penned for the event, “Things We Will Never See.” Read Amanda's poetry here.

September 22, 2014: A report on elephants Iringa, Toka and Thika.

June 11, 2014: Attention Southern California residents - please attend City Council meeting to defend prohibition on exotic animal exhibitions.

May 14, 2014: Speakers announced for PAWS 2014 International Captive Wildlife Conference, Nov. 8-10, Burbank, Calif.

May 2014: Sponsorship opportunities now available for PAWS' 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration Nov. 8, and PAWS' 2014 International Captive Wildlife Conference, Nov. 8-10, Burbank, Calif.

April 9, 2014: Samantha the mountain lion, has died.

April 9, 2014: LA children's fair to feature elephant rides. Please voice your opposition.

April 4, 2014: Please take action on bill to ban orcas in California.

March 31, 2014: When sanctuary is not a sanctuary.

March 28, 2014: Victory — no elephant rides at this year's San Diego County Fair!

March 26, 2014: Stop elephants rides at the San Diego County Fair!

March 24, 2014: Shrine Circus in LA stops use of animals for first time in 88 years.

1984-2014: Celebrating 30 Years. PAWS — 30 Memorable Accomplishments & Moments

2013

Children Are The Future. . . For Animals, Too! A report from nine-year-old Carly Rae Dunn.

Oakland Residents: Help pass permit requirements!

A Message From Bob Barker

Oakland Residents: Please support permit requirements for use of animals in circuses!

Dr. Joyce Poole comments on PAWS' video: The Toronto Elephants: Arrival Day, Part 2, "The Greeting." View video here.

African elephant Lulu is voted this year's Ms. TUSKany. View photos from PAWS' annual Elephant Grape Stomp, An Afternoon In TUSKany, here.

Ed Stewarts writes letter to Niabi Zoo director regarding elephants Sophie and Babe. Read here.

Join PAWS in telling Sprint to take a stand for elephants!

August 12, 2013: Five things you can do for WORLD ELEPHANT DAY!

PAWS files ethics complaint with AZA against Have Trunk Will Travel. View letter here.

Ed Stewart to speak at Hollywood benefit for Free Willy-Keiko Foundation, August 17. In a "blast from the past", click here to read PAWS' 1998 Sanctuary newsletter report on Keiko's arrival in Iceland — written by Mark Berman from Earth Island Institute and one of the cast members of "Keiko, The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy."

Second Nevada County Fair board meeting scheduled to address elephant rides at this year's Fair.

PAWS' Catherine Doyle pens letter to the editor of the Union newspaper regarding elephant rides at the 2013 Nevada County Fair.

Pat Derby and PAWS receive international award for Sanctuary Excellence from GFAS.
"No Ethical Way To Keep Elephants In Captivity" — PAWS president, Ed Stewart, responds to the April 23, 2013, National Geographic "NewsWatch" online post, “Captive Elephant Management: Interview with Knoxville Zoo’s Curator of Elephants,” by guest blogger Jordan Carlton Schaul.

PAWS Condemns Drive-By Shooting of Circus Elephant and Offers Reward

Ravi the tiger: In Memoriam - Ravi, one of the first Colton tigers to arrive at ARK 2000, has died.

SB245 — Help Prohibit Private Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals in Nevada. Click here for background info and see what you can do to help.

Pat Derby: A Celebration of Her Life, March 29, 2013, Crest Theatre in Sacramento.

Tributes to Pat Derby: Staff and directors share their thoughts and memories of PAWS' co-founder.

Pat Derby honored by Congress, March 13, 2013.

Toronto City Council, at its meeting of February 21, 2013, recognized the passing of Pat Derby.

PAWS President and Co-Founder, Pat Derby, has died.

Pat Derby's letter to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Petition to list the African lion as endangered.

2012

FACTS FROM THE CEC: TB in elephants.

CIRCUS PAWS WOWS! View program here.

Victory for Ben the Bear

Rufus & Misha, Canadian Lynx, arrive at PAWS.

Pat Derby & Ed Stewart receive Lily Award.

Quiggle, Male Tiger, IN MEMORIAM

From our friends at TES: APPLAUDING COMMUNITY ACTION FOR ELEPHANTS — April 25, 2012.

On behalf of everyone at the Performing Animal Welfare Society, I extend our deepest sympathy to the staff of the Franklin Zoo, the community, and friends and family on the tragic loss of Dr. Helen Schofield. Elephants are magnificent and complex animals, so one can only speculate as to the emotional state of Mila at the time of this terrible accident. However, Dr. Schofield’s commitment to the care and well-being of Mila was clearly evident in her work with her and was indeed inspirational. Helen Schofield will be remembered with the highest regard by elephant care-giver professionals around the world. — Pat Derby

Pat Derby's Letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star regarding its April 20th article, "The Toronto zoo's departing elephants have squashed its accreditation. Thanks Bob Barker." View Star article here.

"War Elephants" premiers April 22nd on National Geographic Wild. Check your local provider for times. "In Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, elephants are in crisis: Years of civil war and ivory poaching have left them frightened and hostile toward humans. In a new National Geographic Television film, the world’s foremost elephant researcher Dr. Joyce Poole, in a documentary by her brother, cameraman Bob Poole, works to build trust and retrain the animals away from their violent behavior."