It saddens us to report the passing, last evening, of Rebecca, our 50-year-old Asian elephant. PAWS founders, two veterinarians, and Rebecca's keepers were with her when she died.

Rebecca, and her companion Minnie, arrived at PAWS on September 21, 2001. The two spent many happy years at our Galt and ARK 2000 sanctuaries. Rebecca became the leader of the Asian elephants when Minnie passed away in early 2009.

Rebecca was a favorite among keepers and visitors to ARK 2000. She will be missed.

A special tribute to Rebecca will be posted later this week.

Sacramento's public television station KVIE, aired this "Rob on the Road" segment after a visit to ARK 2000 a few years ago. Included in the report is a visit with Rebecca, and PAWS founder Pat Derby. To view the video, click here.