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PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Thirty-one years of protection, education, advocacy & sanctuary
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Stop U.S. Zoos From Importing
Wild African Elephants!
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The Dallas Zoo in Texas, Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska, and Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas have applied to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for a permit to import 18 wild-caught elephants from Swaziland. Most of the elephants in question are juveniles who are being cruelly separated from their mothers and social groups to spend their lives in captivity.
Swaziland has long allowed a family-run organization, Big Game Parks (BGP), to manage its three protected wildlife areas, apparently with no government oversight. BGP is threatening to cull (kill) the 18 elephants if permits are not issued,
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Bull elephant, Hlane Royal National Park, Swaziland
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMS FOUNDATION, SOUTH AFRICA
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claiming the population of fewer than 35 elephants is destroying landscape in the parks and impacting the rhino population. In reality, the elephants occupy only small fenced portions of the reserves and no evidence has been presented to show significant habitat competition with rhinos.
Culling is an outdated and appalling management practice that has not been used in Southern Africa for two decades, yet the three zoos are shamelessly exploiting BGP's threat to kill the elephants. Even worse, they will be financially rewarding BGP for its irresponsible and archaic management practices.
Zoos are once again plundering the wild for young elephants because they cannot maintain a sustainable population of elephants and will eventually have none to display. Elephants in captivity frequently suffer a host of captivity-caused behavioral and physical problems, including foot disease and joint disorders, and die prematurely.
This will not be the last cruel capture and import. Zoos will have to return again and again to abduct wild elephant calves from their families for display. In fact, two U.S. zoos imported wild-caught elephants from Swaziland in 2003 - using the same claims and threats - and now they are back for more calves.
The most reasonable and humane solution for the elephants, if in fact they must be relocated, is to send them to a protected park or sanctuary in Africa. To date, there is no evidence to show that BGP or the zoos have explored options for relocation within Africa.
PAWS has joined more than 75 elephant experts from around the world in a statement expressing opposition to the proposed import and proposing that a solution be found to keep the elephants in Africa.
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Elephant at a water hole in Hlane Royal National Park.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMS FOUNDATION, SOUTH AFRICA
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What you can do to help the "Swazi 18" elephants:
1. Submit a comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) notice regarding the proposed import here. The deadline for comments is Monday, November 23, 2015. FWS is proposing three alternatives for actions it can take (grant the permit, deny the permit, reduce number of permissible elephants for import). Please tell FWS that there is another option: deny the permit and urge the zoos and Swaziland to relocate the elephants within Africa.
You can use these talking points in your brief comment (please use your own words for greater effectiveness):
- I strongly oppose the import of 18 young elephants from Swaziland to U.S. zoos.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should consider a fourth option: Reject the Dallas Zoo's permit request and officially urge the zoo, its partners and Swaziland's Big Game Parks to relocate the elephants, if actually necessary, to a protected park or sanctuary in Africa. There is no evidence that this option has been comprehensively explored. Claims that poaching, habitat loss and other threats justify relegating these elephants to a lifetime in captivity are self-serving and only used to justify the capture and import of these elephants.
- Elephants are intelligent, social, sensitive and self-aware. There can be no justification for the cruel separation of young elephants from their mothers and social groups and the severe distress that will cause - all for the purpose of incarcerating them in zoos.
- Captivity does not guarantee the elephants a good life. Quite the contrary: Elephants in zoos frequently suffer a host of captivity-related mental and physical disorders, including often lethal foot and joint disease, and die prematurely.
- The practice of capturing wild elephants and importing them for display in captivity is archaic, inhumane, and does nothing to help conserve African elephants.
Be sure to submit your comments by Monday, November 23!
3. Call and email your elected officials in Washington and urge them to use their influence to stop FWS from approving the import permit. Find your representative and senator(s) here.
4. Watch the following Public Service Announcement featuring elephant advocates and experts opposing the proposed import and proclaiming: Keep African Elephants in Africa!
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African Elephants Belong In Africa PSA
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For more information, contact PAWS Director of Science, Research and Advocacy Catherine Doyle at [email protected].
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Capuchin monkey Ella lives at PAWS' Galt sanctuary.
ALL PHOTOS BY RENAE SMITH
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Meet the Capuchins Living at PAWS
PAWS' Galt sanctuary is home to four adult Capuchin monkeys. They include Groucho, Chico, and Zeppo - also known as the "Marx Brothers" - who live together in a large habitat with grass, climbing structures, and an adjoining heated den. Ella lives in an identical habitat next door, sharing one half of the den with the other three monkeys.
Wild Capuchin monkeys can be found in Brazil and other parts of South America. They are considered by scientists to be the most intelligent of all New World
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Capuchins Groucho and Chico share
a hammock in their habitat. |
primates, and are incredibly clever at cracking palm nuts and catching frogs. Slender and agile, these small monkeys spend most of their time in trees, actively foraging for food. Wild Capuchin lifespan is estimated to be 15-25 years, but in captivity they can live much longer.
Capuchin monkeys are intelligent, energetic, interactive, and inquisitive. In captivity, they are prone to escape, they bite, and can transmit a number of diseases to humans. In other words, they should never be kept as "pets." In fact, Capuchin monkeys are illegal to own as pets in California, and many other states.
Keeping captive primates both physically and mentally healthy requires dedication and hard work. PAWS keepers enjoy the challenge of creating new and exciting things to keep the monkeys' active minds and bodies busy. A variety of branches, platforms, logs, hammocks, ropes and swings are strategically placed throughout their habitats on which to climb and play. A nutritious diet composed of "monkey biscuits," fruits, vegetables, and occasional insects is distributed throughout the habitat to encourage them to forage. Treats are offered several times a day to keep these busy monkeys occupied.
In August 1996, a group of 50 monkeys were discovered living in filthy conditions in the basement of a private home in Iowa. Authorities removed the monkeys to temporary housing at the University of Iowa until appropriate homes could be found. PAWS' cofounder Pat Derby offered to provide a home for four of them and soon, Groucho, Chico, Zeppo, and Harpo were enjoying their new digs in Galt, in an enclosure specially designed by Ed Stewart for busy, arboreal monkeys. The rest of the monkeys went to accredited sanctuaries and zoos, where their special needs could
be met and they would receive excellent care. Harpo passed away in 2000 from complications of pneumonia and liver failure. Groucho, Chico, and Zeppo are estimated to be 20 years old and are in good health.
Ella and Jacque, once kept as illegal "pets," came to PAWS from two separate confiscations in 1994. The two got along well, spending their days foraging through their grassy habitat for bugs and small bits of fruit, nuts, and vegetables hidden by PAWS keepers. Unfortunately, Jacque passed away in 2013 from sudden heart failure. Plans are underway to introduce Zeppo (female) to Ella, so they can share a habitat and provide each other close companionship. Although all of the Capuchins share a common den area and can see, hear and communicate with each other, physical introductions need to made gradually and carefully to make sure they get along. Ella is estimated to be 28 years old.
Animal adoptions make great gifts for the holidays. To adopt Groucho, Chico, Zeppo, or Ella for an animal lover on your list, click here.
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PAWS Marches for Elephants and Rhinos
On October 3, PAWS once again joined the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos in San Francisco, California, to bring attention to the plight of these animals due to illegal  wildlife trafficking. PAWS President Ed Stewart delivered a rousing speech to a large crowd at a kick-off rally before the march, urging people to take action for elephants and rhinos before it's too late.
Elephants and rhinos are being poached at an alarming rate: An average of 96 elephants are killed each day in Africa, and more than 1,000 rhinos out of a remaining 29,000 in the wild were poached in South Africa in 2014 alone. Unless action is taken now, elephants and rhinos are headed toward extinction. Fortunately, the sale of ivory and rhino horns is now banned in California! (See AB 96 update below.)
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Legislative News and Updates
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California Assembly Bill 96
Victory! PAWS is pleased to report that AB 96, the California bill to end the sale of ivory and rhino horn, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. PAWS thanks Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, who spearheaded AB 96, and co-author Senator Ricardo Lara. We also thank all of our supporters who contacted their state senator, assemblyperson and the governor, and those who attended committee hearings. This law is an important step toward reducing the demand - California is the second largest market in the U.S. for ivory - and protecting wild elephants.
California Senate Bill 716
PAWS is disappointed that Governor Brown chose not sign Senate Bill 716 to ban the bullhook in California, despite vast support in the legislature and among compassionate Californians. The Governor, who has signed many important bills for
animals, did not comment on the merits of bullhook use, and his action cannot be construed as an endorsement of this cruel device. SB 716 was one of nine bills vetoed by the Governor over his concern about their "particularization of criminal behavior" relative to prison overcrowding and sentencing reform.
The bullhook resembles a fireplace poker, with a sharpened steel tip and hook at the end. It is used to control elephants through pain and fear, particularly in circuses, rides and entertainment. Handlers use the bullhook to prod, hook, jab and hit elephants, sometimes causing puncture wounds and lacerations.
PAWS co-sponsored SB 716 together with the Oakland Zoo and The Humane Society of the U.S. We will return next year with a version of the bill that Governor Brown can sign, and keep the same timetable as expected with SB 716. Our sincere thanks to SB 716 author Senator Ricardo Lara for his great leadership on this key elephant welfare issue.
Massachusetts
PAWS Director of Science, Research and Advocacy Catherine Doyle recently traveled to Massachusetts to testify before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of bills S1801/H1274/H1477, which would ban the use of bullhooks in traveling shows and circuses. Legislators in Massachusetts are also considering bills S440/H1275 to prohibit the sale of ivory and rhino horns.
If you are a Massachusetts resident, please call your state Senator and Representative in support of these important bills. To find your legislators click here. When calling, simple state that you are a constituent and are calling to urge support for S1801/H1274/H1477 to ban the use of bullhooks in Massachusetts, and S440/H1275 to ban the sale of ivory and rhino horn.
Washington State
On Tuesday, November 3rd, Washington voters have the opportunity to protect wild animals from the illegal wildlife trade. Ballot initiative 1401 would prohibit trade in ten different threatened and endangered animals, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, lions, cheetahs, marine turtles, pangolins, sharks and rays. If you live in Washington, please get out and vote "yes" on I-1401, and make a real difference for the animals. Urge friends, family and colleagues to vote as well!
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Alexander, a black leopard, lives at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary.
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December 12
ARK 2000 Holiday Open House
Tickets Now On Sale
We have a limited number of tickets available for our ARK 2000 Holiday Open House to be held on Saturday, December 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for seniors (60 and over) and $25 for children age 12 and under. If you're planning to attend, we advise you to purchase your tickets early. No tickets will be sold at the gate on the day of the event!
PAWS' 2,300-acre captive wildlife sanctuary, ARK 2000, is located at 1250 Pool Station Road in San Andreas, CA 95249.
Visitors to the ARK 2000 Holiday Open House will board shuttles to the bear, lion, tiger, leopard and elephant habitats. Once you exit the shuttle you will be walking on grass, dirt, gravel, and sometimes paved surfaces, so please wear comfortable shoes. You will not touch any animals and all visitors will be required to stay a safe distance away from the animals. PAWS management, keepers and volunteers will be on hand to tell you about the animals and answer questions. A gift shop will be available on the day of the event. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards.
If you would like to bring a holiday gift for the animals, we suggest any of the following favorites: apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, squash, pumpkins, melons, pears, unsalted peanuts in the shell, fresh mint leaves and fresh rosemary. You may drop off your gift by the front gate, or near the gift shop table when you arrive, or as you're leaving. Thank you!
This event happens rain or shine. Tickets are not refundable.
Two ways to purchase: Click here to buy online and print your tickets at home; or call 209-745-2606, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, to charge by phone. Visit our calendar of events page for more information. Online ticket sales close on Thursday, December 10, 2015.
PLEASE READ: Folding wheelchairs and strollers may be taken on most shuttles. Special arrangements for visitors with power scooters and power wheelchairs can be made by calling Kim Gardner at 916-539-5305. Yes, you may bring your cameras. There is no smoking on any PAWS property, including in our parking lots. We take fire prevention very seriously. No pets are allowed on any PAWS property, including in our parking lots. Please leave your pets at home!
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October Amazon Wish List Donors
Parmesh Sharma: one bottle of Azodyl, 90#, one bottle of AminAvast, 60#, one 30 lb. bag of Blue Buffalo, one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium, one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin & Coat. Michele Smith: one bottle CosequinDS, 250#. Patricia Connelly: one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Equine Skin and Coat, one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium. Alice C. Witt: one bottle of Azodyl, 90#. Kelly Martin: one gallon of Red Cell. Carole Bognar: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium. Brittney, Nick and Nui Blume: one 20 lb. tub of Psyllium. Asher A. Borradaile: one case of unsalted peanuts, one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin & Coat. Peggy Buckner: one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium. Chris Fraser: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium. Lisa M. Lyou: one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin & Coat, one 20 lb. tub of Psyllium. Susan Wright: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium, one 30 lb. bag of Blue Buffalo. Janelle Kessler: two 30 lb. bags of Blue Buffalo. Tracy Fox: one bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin & Coat. Alyson Rossi: one 10 lb. case of unsalted peanuts. Anonymous donations: one gallon of Red Cell, two pop-up tents, one tub of Buggzo, one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium, one bottle of AminAvast , 60#.
View wish list items that are needed,
but not listed on the Amazon list, here.
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There are many ways you can help PAWS animals:
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Adopt A PAWS Animal
If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic adoptions only. No animal will be sent!
PAWS Amazon Wish List
EBAY Giving Works
List items on EBAY and choose PAWS as your charity. Donate a percentage of each sale to the animals. Visit our EBAY charity listing page here. Start selling! Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs
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PAWS Partnerships
Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by becoming a PAWS Partner. PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations and the day-to-day care of the animals.
FOR EVERYONE WHO SHOPS ONLINE!
Shop through IGIVE and raise money for PAWS!
Up to 26% of your purchase - at more than 1,600 retailers - can be donated to PAWS.
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Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise.
Estates/Planned Giving
You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home!
Donate To PAWS
PAWS receives no government funding and must rely on your donations to continue our work. Three ways to give and every donation matters. Learn more
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It's never to early to start shopping for the holidays!
PAWS' Note Cards
Bears, Tigers, Elephants
Dozens of different designs are now available in our gift shop; more added every week.
$24.99 for a set of 10 + tax + worldwide shipping
More items, more designs, more fun - all to benefit the animals at PAWS!
Logo clothing available in adult, children, toddler and infant sizes.
"Seeing the Elephant" Weekend Getaways | PAWS Animal Adoptions
Both available for gift purchases.
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PO Box 849
Galt, CA 95632
(209) 745-2606
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