On the weekend of Nov. 8-10, PAWS marked two milestones: its largest captive wildlife conference ever and a 30th anniversary gala celebrating three decades of rescue, sanctuary education and advocacy for captive wildlife.

PAWS Gala Was A Night To Remember

A highlight of PAWS' 30th Anniversary celebration weekend was a very special gala on Saturday night attended by more than 400 people. The evening included award presentations, entertainment, a gourmet vegan dinner, and live and silent auctions. Celebrity friends

Ed Stewart with event emcees Kitty O'Neal and Rob Stewart.

attending the event included Jorja Fox of the popular television show "CSI", actor Ross McCall of HBO's "Band of Brothers," singer and stage and film actress Laine Kazan, Mrs. Stanley Kramer (Karen Sharpe) and Academy Award-winning actor, dancer and singer George Chakiris ("West Side Story").

Longtime PAWS' friends, KFBK Radio's celebrity news anchor Kitty O'Neal and KVIE Public Television's "Rob on the Road" host Rob Stewart, graciously emceed the event, throughout which guests were entertained and awed by the pro-level youth performers in Nathalie Gaulthier's award-winning Le PeTiT CiRqUe, an all-kid humanitarian cirque company described as "a pint-sized version of Cirque du Soleil." Performances by the talented company included amazing singers, contortionists and even a martial arts display. Talented actress and singer Kat Kramer charmed the crowd with several musical numbers, including her rendition of "Bless the Beasts and the Children," from the film of the same name that was directed by her father, the late Stanley Kramer. The McCourt Brothers Band provided musical interludes, and members Kevin and Sean McCourt acted as entertaining auctioneers for the live auction part of the event.

Ed Stewart (left) is delighted when long-time PAWS supporters Patty Shenker (center) and her husband Doug Stoll are the high bidders for the auction of Bob Barker's Emmy statuette for "The Price Is Right."

Standout items in the live auction included: a Bob Barker Emmy Award statuette and an original spay/neuter drawing by Mr. Barker; brunch at ARK 2000 with Academy Award-winning actress Kim Basinger and PAWS' Ed Stewart; a basket from Lily Tomlin that included tickets to one of her upcoming live shows and a "meet and greet" afterwards; a gourmet vegan dinner and gondola ride for 12 with PAWS' president Ed Stewart in Long Beach; a private gourmet vegan dinner provided by celebrity chefs Roberto Gerometta and MJ

Kat Kramer (right), shown here with Academy Award-winning actor George Chakiris, models the $10,000 diamond necklace designed and donated by Kimberly McDonald.

Espiritu-Gerometta; two special items from the estate of PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby; a $10,000 diamond necklace by designer Kimberly McDonald; and several screenplays and original movie posters and memoriabilia autographed by Academy Award-winning film director, the late Stanley Kramer, including "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "The Defiant Ones", and "Bless the Beasts and the Children."

PAWS was proud to present the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, Amanda Gorman, who drew a standing ovation for her poem specially penned for the event, "Things We Will Never See." Click here to read her poem. Another first was the premier of the trailer for "39 Tigers", a documentary film by Tigers in America founder William Nimmo that recounts PAWS' rescue of 39 tigers from indescribably horrible conditions at a pseudo sanctuary in Colton, California. The full documentary was premiered the following day at PAWS' International Captive Wildlife Conference.

Highlighting this gala event was the presentation of awards, both to and from PAWS. In

Amanda Gorman (above), the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, received a standing ovation for her poem, "Things We Will Never See."

honor of PAWS' 30th anniversary milestone, a plaque and congratulatory certificate was received from Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz, who authored and championed the ban on bullhooks in Los Angeles. Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli presented Ed Stewart with recognition certificates from Sacramento County, as well as a Congressional recognition on behalf of Congressman Sam Farr. Professor Patricia McEachern, the Dorothy Jo Barker Endowed Professor of Animal Rights at Drury University, presented Pat Derby (posthumously) and Ed Stewart with the inaugural Bob Barker Award from Drury University for their extraordinary dedication to protecting performing exotic animals.

Award recipients from PAWS included:

Pat Derby Visionary Award: To Julie Woodyer - For her intellectual strength, passion and unfaltering perseverance. Following the dream to create a brighter future for captive wildlife.

Power of One Award: To Project OneSong/Kevin McCourt, Susan McCourt and Chantez Pratts - For using the power of compassion for animals to instill respect and love for all living beings, creating a better future for young people at risk and a better world. . . one child at a time.

Producer Manny Oteyza accepts the "Paul Harvey Media Award" on behalf of "Blackfish."

Paul Harvey Media Award: To "Blackfish" - For production and direction of a powerful and compelling investigative documentary, forever changing public perception of marine parks and the use of orcas as entertainment.

Forever Annie Award: To Dr. Mel Richardson, DVM (posthumously) - For courageously stepping forward and using his veterinary expertise to oppose the exploitation of captive wild animals.

Janice Clark "Wind Beneath Our Wings" Award: To Debbie Morrow and Diana Larson - For their creative endeavors, generous spirits, kind hearts, and never-ending enthusiam, loyalty and love for PAWS.

Throughout the entire program, our thoughts were always with Pat Derby, a true force of nature who continues to be the guiding light for PAWS. A film tribute to Pat informed gala attendees of her incredible legacy and reminded us all of the work that can be done - and is yet to be done - to help captive

wild and exotic animals.

PAWS THANKS THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF PAWS AND OUR VERY SPECIAL 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA:

Gala Emcees: Kitty O'Neal and Rob Stewart

Dr. Patricia McEachern presents Ed Stewart with Drury University's "Bob Barker Award."

Event and Table Sponsors:

The Golden PAWS - $20,000: The Eric Kurtzman Family Foundation

Silver Star - $10,000 Level: The Allene and Jerome Lapides Foundation, Kimberly McDonald Fine Jewelry (2 tables at this level)

Elephant Benefactor - $5,000 Level: The Hay Foundation, Linda Gibboney, Sandi and Ruth Peck, David Rubin, Ruth M. and Carol D. Scroggin Family Fund, Lee and Mickey Segal

Tiger Guardian - $3,000 Level: DJ Michelle Pesce, Sidney Kimmel Films, Tigers In America Foundation/Bill Nimmo (4 tables at this level) and Kizmin Reeves

Lion Rescuer - $1,000 Level: Jill Melchione-Spinelli, WildiZe Foundation

Guests browse the silent auction tables and place their bids.

Complimentary shuttle service to and from our conference hotel and the gala/conference site was provided by the following sponsors: mOcean, Milt & Edie's Dry Cleaners in Burbank, Southwest Airlines

30th Anniversary Honorary Committee: Bob Barker, Kim Basinger, Kristin Bauer Van Straten, MJ Espiritu-Gerometta, Robert Gerometta, Jorja Fox, Linda Hope, Kat Kramer, Mrs. Stanley Kramer, Ross McCall, Kimberly McDonald, Kevin Nealon, Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner

30th Anniversary Committee: Katia Bagatta, Karen Bonidio, Debbie Casey, Catherine Doyle, Maggie Ferrari, Julie Frost, Christine Gardner, Kim Gardner, Priscilla Gargalis, Linda Gibboney, Carol Haft, Linda Jordan, Dr. Satish Kadaba, Ed Minghelli, Debbie Morrow, Steve Pape, Sandi Peck, Patty Shenker, Ed Stewart, Lisa Worgan

Ed Stewart visits with guests during the Gala dinner.

PAWS IS VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE HELP

FROM THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE AND COMPANIES:

Gala production supervisor: Robert B. Gelman of BGA Media

Video artist: Kate Johnson

Dr. Joyce Poole (right) with her daughter Selengei Granli.

Celebrity chef consultants: MJ Espiritu-Gerometta and Roberto Gerometta

Gala table centerpieces: Chantez Pratts, Watts and Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club. Kevin and Susan McCourt, OneSong Mentor Program

Event photographer: Lisa Worgan

Gala Goodie Bags: Kimberly McDonald Fine Jewelry, John Paul Pet, John Paul Dejoria of Paul Mitchell Hair Care, Garry Marshall and Garry Marshall Productions, Milt and Edie's Dry Cleaners, mOcean, Southwest Airlines, OneSong Publishing, Mr. Ellie Pooh

Music and Auction Team: The McCourt Brothers - Kevin, Sean and Dan, Mimi Durrand, Barry Gardner, Christine Gardner, Rhianna Gardner, Lesley Kirrene, Josh Klein

Shuttle Drivers: Larry Lizewski, Kevin McCourt, Lorrie Morris, Kerry Worgan

Special thanks to: Richard Levis Fitzgerald, Le Petit Cirque, Nathalie Gaulthier, Kat Kramer and Mrs. Stanley Kramer (Karen Sharpe), the McCourt family - including Susan, Kevin, Peggy, Pat, Sean, Dan and Elizabeth, Plateau Vineyards, Jill Spinelli

A very special and most heartfelt thank you to all the PAWS volunteers who helped make the Gala a wonderful success. We could never have done it without you!

Click here to view photos from the gala and conference.

PAWS International Captive Wildlife

Conference A Huge Success!

The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference was the largest conference ever held by PAWS, drawing 500 attendees over three days and featuring more than 50 experts from around the world. Topics covered a range of key issues affecting captive exotic animals, from orcas to elephants. Attendees hailed from Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and 24 states in the U.S.  Feedback from conference attendees was enthusiastically positive, with many people calling it the best conference they had ever attended!

Day one of the conference began with a welcome from Ed Stewart, who dedicated the event to the late Pat Derby - his partner, PAWS co-founder, visionary and unequaled defender of captive wild animals. A short film showing interview clips of Pat reminded the audience of the dedication, defiance and passion that are at the very heart of PAWS.

A panel discussion on Day 1 featured (L-R) Scott Blais (Global Sanctuary for Elephants), Ron Kagan (Detroit Zoo), Ed Stewart (PAWS) and Dr. Joel Parrott, DVM (Oakland Zoo).

The panels that followed addressed elephants in captivity, bringing together experts from such diverse backgrounds as zoos, animal protection organizations, science and academia, making for some lively discussions. Topics included ending the use of elephants in entertainment, the "war" on elephant sanctuaries, and many questions about what zoos really do for elephants and other captive wildlife in terms of education and conservation. Author Mark Bekoff, who participated in a panel on the ethics of keeping elephants in captivity, wrote about the latter in his Animal Emotions blog.

Bringing the veterinarian's perspective to the proceedings, PAWS' veterinarian Dr. Jackie Gai delivered an enlightening presentation on caring for older elephants in a sanctuary setting. Rounding out the day were featured presenters Dr. Joyce Poole and Petter Granli, co-founders of ElephantVoices, who described the desperate plight of elephants in Africa due to poaching for the ivory trade. This included a unique perspective from the elephant's point of view on how these highly intelligent and complex animals are responding to the threats they face.

Day two focused on big cats, marine mammals and nonhuman primates, and their use for

Steve Wise received a standing ovation after he spoke about his work with the Nonhuman Rights Project.

display, entertainment and as exotic "pets."  The day started with attorney Stephen Wise, who received a standing ovation for his presentation about the Nonhuman Rights Project that seeks to win legal personhood for a nonhuman animal in the courts. Current lawsuits are focused on chimpanzees, however, elephants may also be candidates for this important test of personhood. Attendees then learned about the issues concerning nonhuman primates, including how representations of chimpanzees in the media negatively affect the public's conservation perception of these animals.

An informative panel on the use of captive cetaceans for entertainment included "Blackfish" producer Manny Oteyza and leading experts in this field. Panelists informed conference attendees of evidence showing the negative effects of captivity on these animals, including a greatly shortened lifespan. Panels then turned to captive big cats and the large scope of problems in this area, including private "owners" and the need for more sanctuary space. It is estimated that there are more tigers in captivity in the U.S. than there are living in the wild. William Nimmo, founder of Tigers in America, premiered his documentary film, "39 Tigers," which recounted PAWS' involvement in the largest big cat rescue in U.S. history and the transfer of 39 tigers to ARK 2000. (Watch "39 Tigers" below.)

39 Tigers: The story of the largest tiger rescue in US history.

David Hancocks delivered an intensely moving feature presentation about the future of zoos, reflecting on the inter-relationships between changing environments and climate, overlooked species that are key to ecological health, and the responsibilities that zoos bear in the face of our greatly changing world.

Panels on the use of wild animals in entertainment, such as film, television and advertising, closed the day. Talking Animals radio show host Duncan Strauss moderated the final panel,

Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, the writing/producing team that created "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," share their insights into the making of these films that used only computer-generated animals.

ending with hopeful discussions on the use of technology to replace wild animals in entertainment. Ashraf Ghoneim of The Mill showed footage of computer-generated wild animals who looked astoundingly real, and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, the writing/producing team that created the Hollywood blockbusters, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," shared their insights into the making of these films. They also spoke about their personal convictions concerning animal welfare and how that related to their use of computer generated versus live wild animals in the films.

Day three of the conference was devoted to campaigns and advocacy, with national animal protection organizations reporting on their work to end the use of wild animals in roadside zoos, private ownership, circuses and other forms of entertainment. PAWS director of science, research and advocacy, Catherine Doyle, presented a report on the state of elephants in zoos, and, together with activist Cheri Shankar, talked about the successful campaign to ban the use of bullhooks in Los Angeles that has inspired others around the country to take up the fight for performing elephants. Cindy Machado, director of animal services for the Marin Humane Society, explained the role of humane societies in performing animal protection, including inspections of these animals. Featured speaker, author Carol Bradley, shared some of the moving stories about elephants in circuses that she uncovered while doing intensive research for her fascinating book, "Last Chain on Billie." (Spoiler alert: The book has a happy ending!)

Captain Cindy Machado, director of animal services for the Marin Humane Society, spoke on Day 3 of the conference.

The conference closed on a highly inspirational note, with a special panel on standout grassroots organizers from around the U.S. who shared their stories of perseverance, dedication and success - including some fun and creative tips from Anna Ware of "Ban the Bullhook" for bringing your message to the public in creative ways. These speakers are living proof that the "power of one" can make a difference for animals.

PAWS would like to thank everyone who helped to make the conference such a great success. Many, many thanks to all the speakers and moderators who participated in the conference and educated and inspired attendees - many of whom were new to captive wildlife issues.

Our gratitude to vegan chef extraordinaire MJ Espiritu-Gerometta, who created and oversaw the conference lunch and break menus - to rave reviews by attendees. Thank you to timekeeper Reese Kendrick, who helped ensure that speakers/panels stayed on schedule, and to Robert B. Gelman of BGA Media.

Special thanks to David Reuben for his support of the conference.

Much appreciation to conference sponsors: Amboseli Trust for Elephants (ATE), In Defense of Animals (IDA), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), WildiZe Foundation, and a special thank you to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for hosting the Sunday afternoon break.

And our deepest appreciation to all the volunteers who so generously gave of their time to ensure that the event went smoothly, including Christine Anthony, Katie Arth, Nancy Baker, Barry Gardner, Lorrie Morris, Debbie Morrow, Jill Spinelli and Kerry Worgan.

Click here if you would like to see the PAWS 2014 International Captive Wildlife program. Click here to view the speaker bios. Click here to view all of the photos from the conference and gala events.

Tammy and Annie at PAWS' Galt Sanctuary.

Annie: In Memoriam

By PAWS' Veterinarian, Dr. Jackie Gai, DVM

Last week we shared with you the sad news of the passing of Asian elephant Annie on November 18, 2014.

Annie was born 55 years ago in Assam, India (near what was formerly Burma). She was captured and forcibly separated from her mother as a young calf, along with many other calves destined for use in the zoo industry. At the fragile age of one year old, Annie was put on display at a Wisconsin zoo. As a publicity stunt to announce her arrival, the zoo released a ridiculous photo of baby Annie (first called Annette) at a table of children, having a tea party. In the wild, female elephants typically stay with their mothers, aunts, and sisters for life.

This description of Annie's (first called Annette) "coming out" party appeared in the Milwaukee Sentinel on June 18, 1961.

Asian elephants are a highly endangered species, inhabiting only a fraction of their historic wild range due to intense human pressure. There are only an estimated 32,000 in the wild, as compared to over 700,000 African elephants, who are also in peril. Over 50% of the total wild population of Asian elephants lives in India, with a large number in the Assam region. Baby elephants have been captured here for centuries, suffering brutal "breaking" and training rituals, and finally sent away to spend the rest of their lives in zoos, circuses, carrying tourists on their backs, and laboring as beasts of burden. Like their African counterparts, Asian elephants are also poached for their ivory and are losing essential habitat to logging, agriculture, and human encroachment.

Annie remained at the Wisconsin zoo for many years with her close companion Tammy. They endured long, cold winters, chained in their concrete-floored barn with little opportunity to move or to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. In 1994, hours and hours of shocking video footage came to light showing the elephants being cruelly trained at the zoo. With legs chained, ropes were used to force them to the ground where they were repeatedly beaten into submission. Annie's and Tammy's sorrowful, bellowing moans and loud screams could be heard over the abusive yelling and shouting of the trainers. This was not an undercover video; the zoo had recorded the training session to instruct zookeepers on how to train elephants. Under significant public pressure, the zoo decided to relocate the elephants to PAWS.

Annie and Tammy were welcomed into PAWS' Galt sanctuary in 1995. There, they enjoyed year-round access to soft soil, fresh grass, and a large pool. Years of strict confinement had taken their toll on both elephants, causing painful arthritis and foot problems. Free from chains, Annie enjoyed lying against a soft mound of soil that helped her get up and down. She and Tammy were inseparable companions, squeaking and chirping as they joyfully mudded and bathed together. Sadly, Tammy passed away in 2003 at the age of 52 from chronic foot disease and arthritis -  the most common causes of death in captive elephants.

Annie grieved the loss of her close friend Tammy, abruptly losing her usual joie d'vivre and standing quietly for hours despite all of our attempts to distract and cheer her up. Soon after the loss of Tammy, we moved Annie to PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary with the other Asian elephants. It took several months for her to come out of her shell, as she preferred to stay close to the barn while the others explored their new, spacious habitats. On one memorable spring day, joyfully witnessed by co-founders Pat Derby and Ed Stewart, Annie took her first steps out into her spacious green pasture and seemed to symbolically emerge from her sadness.

Annie at ARK 2000.

At ARK 2000, Annie enjoyed large open spaces, gently rolling hills, trees, and a large lake. She enjoyed the company of other elephants, and also had freedom to choose how to spend her day. Annie delighted in frequent visits to the lake - splashing and submerging in the cool water, bathing in the mud, and munching on the lush reeds that grew along the shore. She also enjoyed long naps near an oak tree on a round, grassy hilltop, which we call "Annie's Hill."

Over the years, Annie coped with gradually worsening arthritis and foot disease. Special medications and treatments were provided by dedicated and caring staff.  In 2012, Annie was diagnosed with tuberculosis, but never exhibited symptoms of the disease. Tuberculosis is not uncommon in captive elephants, and it has been diagnosed in circuses, in privately owned animals, and in zoos such as the Oregon Zoo and St. Louis Zoo. Until the end of her life, Annie had a good appetite and maintained her weight, but ultimately her severe arthritis and foot disease made movement unbearably painful for her.

When it became clear that the medications and treatments used to treat her chronic conditions were no longer providing relief, Annie was humanely euthanized on November 18th, lying on soft soil and surrounded by those who cared for and loved her. At age 55, she was among the oldest Asian elephants in North America. If Annie were to have remained in the wild, where Asian female elephants can live up to 70 years, she may have experienced a vibrant, active, and social life for many more years without the crippling effects of captivity.

A necropsy was performed the next day by pathologists from the U.C. Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Being present during the necropsy of such a beloved elephant is an incredibly emotional experience. A huge scar across Annie's left hip, permanent evidence of a severe injury caused by a bull during forced mating decades ago, overlaid significant damage to the actual hip joint deep under the skin. Thick scars that had encircled her wrists and ankles, the result of long-ago chaining and physical blows, covered joints that were severely damaged by arthritis. Tissue samples were collected, which will be analyzed further in a laboratory. The degree and chronicity of the arthritis and foot infections suffered by many captive elephants is a testament to the stoicism of these great creatures in the face of pain.

It is always astounding to consider how tolerant and patient elephants are with people, despite long histories of abuse. Annie always happily cooperated with Ed, sanctuary manager Brian Busta, and many other keepers who cared for her feet and provided necessary daily treatments. However, she always kept a wary, suspicious eye on others, including her veterinarians - her mistrust not at all surprising given her early history of human betrayal. 

We will always remember Annie's smiling face and twinkling eyes, her sense of humor, her joyous romps in the lake, and her wisdom and vigilance around people. Our lives have been forever changed by Annie and her story, and we are honored to have been able to provide her with almost 20 years of dignity, respect, freedom of choice, and love.

DONATE IN MEMORY OF ANNIE

Your donation will be used to help care for all elderly/arthritic elephants at PAWS.

Ed Stewart (right) talks with ARK 2000 visitors from the U.C. Davis human-animal studies conference "All Things Great and Small."

PAWS Participates In Two

Important Animal Conferences

Following the International Captive Wildlife Conference Nov. 8-10, PAWS' president and co-founder Ed Stewart, and PAWS' director of science, research and advocacy, Catherine Doyle, traveled to the University of California at Davis for the human-animal studies conference, "All Things Great and Small," held Nov. 15-18. Ed was a featured speaker on Sunday, a day that also included noted primatologist and ethologist Dr. Frans de Waal. Catherine shared her research on keeper perception of keeper-elephant relationships on Monday, where she joined a distinguished panel of scholars discussing research on zoos and animal displays. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, conference participants and speakers visited ARK 2000 where Ed Stewart gave them a tour of the sanctuary.

Catherine Doyle then traveled to the Detroit Zoo for a symposium addressing the welfare of captive wild animals, presented by the Detroit Zoo's Center for Zoo Animal Welfare on Nov. 22-23. On behalf of Ed Stewart, Catherine participated in a panel discussion on zoo and sanctuary leadership in championing animal welfare. Ed is a member of the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, which is composed of zoo and aquarium professionals, scientists, sociologists and animal advocacy leaders.