Donate a Foot of Freedom for Nicholas and Gypsy
Current cost per linear foot of fencing $168

The first captive bull elephant to retire to a sanctuary made a long and historical journey to PAWS' Galt, CA sanctuary on April 1, 2007. PAWS was the only sanctuary to offer a permanent home for Nicholas, a thirteen year old bull elephant, and his 40 year old female companion, Gypsy, who were in desperate need of refuge after a US Department of Agriculture ruling required that they be moved from the circus facility that housed them.

Bull elephants are difficult to house because of their size; the pipe for the fencing must be the strongest, most durable available. Nicholas was approximately 9,500 lbs. and 9 ½ feet tall when he arrived at PAWS, and he has grown in one year to 10 ½ feet and over 10,500 lbs. At maturity, he may reach a whopping seven tons in weight and could grow to 13 feet in height.

Due to the generosity of Emmy-award-winning TV host, Bob Barker, who kicked-off the bull elephant Barn-Raising efforts with a wonderful donation of $ 500,000, construction of Nicholas and Gypsy’s bull elephant barn began in February 2008. That donation will pay for the cost of the barn, but fencing for a habitat is critical before we can move the two elephants to ARK 2000.

We need your to help complete the bull elephant habitat at ARK2000.

PAWS is asking everyone who cares about the plight of captive elephants, and every one of our partners – individuals and business sponsors – to donate a foot or more of Nicholas’ habitat – it’s freedom, really. Freedom to be an elephant.

Please consider adopting a foot of freedom for Nicholas and Gypsy.

Current cost per linear foot of habitat -- $168

It is our goal to move Nicholas & Gypsy to their new 8,000 sq. ft. barn at ARK2000 this fall. We hope to fund at least ten acres of fencing to provide a spacious habitat in the grass and native oaks at the sanctuary.

5 acres of habitat will cost approximately $302,400

10 acres of habitat will cost approximately $433,520 

PAWS is extremely grateful to Mr. Barker for his continued support in helping captive elephants.

Won’t you “Come on Down” and match Bob Barker’s generous efforts to give Nicholas and Gypsy the freedom they deserve.

(209) 745-2606 office/shelter
(209) 745-1809 fax
info@pawsweb.org