(San Andreas, CA) - In a telephone call this morning, Bob Barker informed Pat Derby, Director of the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), that he will be providing all of the costs of transport for the relocation of the three Toronto Zoo African elephants, Toka, Thika and Iringa, to ARK 2000, PAWS' 2,300 acre sanctuary in northern California.

"Both Zoocheck Canada and PAWS were prepared to raise the funds because Mr. Barker is constantly the source of funding for relocation and rescue of animals, and we were disturbed that his generosity had generated unpleasant comments from disgruntled Toronto Zoo staff. We were trying to prevent further diatribes against a man who has devoted his life to helping animals and people," Pat Derby stated.

"I do not want the transition of the elephants to be hampered in any way," Mr. Barker said. "I want them to have the most efficient and humane transition to their new home, and I thank Toronto City Councillors Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho and Glenn DeBaeremaeker, as well as Mayor Rob Ford and the rest of the Toronto City Council for their diligent efforts on behalf of the elephants. I said this would not cost the city a penny and I want to assure them it won't."

Both charities will continue their campaigns to raise funds for lifetime care for the elephants once they arrive at PAWS.

 
To donate to the care of Toka, Thika and Iringa, please contact PAWS

at (209) 745-2606, visit our website at www.pawsweb.org, or mail donations to P.O. Box 849, Galt, CA 95632.