PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Thirty-two years of protection, education, advocacy & sanctuary

Jackie Coyote:

A Story of Hope and Resilience

During the late morning hours of November 7, 2015, Galt sanctuary keepers noticed Jackie the coyote dragging one of her hind legs and immediately called PAWS' veterinarian Dr. Jackie Gai. Earlier that morning Jackie had appeared normal, actively trotting around her grassy habitat after breakfast exploring for birds, bugs and new smells. But now her condition began to rapidly decline and soon she was completely unable to stand up or walk.

Dr. Gai and veterinary technician Lynn Dowling arrived quickly and performed a physical examination in hopes of finding clues about Jackie's sudden and dramatic disability. X-rays did not show any fractures or dislocations, and a thorough examination offered no explanation for her sudden mobility problem. Galt sanctuary supervisor Larry and keeper Seth assembled a smaller kennel-type enclosure within the coyote's large enclosure so veterinary and keeper staff could watch her closely. The temporary kennel was erected near her den where she felt most safe, and her den was bedded down with a thick layer of hay for extra comfort.

Soon after she awoke from her exam, it was obvious that Jackie had significant problems. She was unable to get up from a prone position, and the entire left side of her body was weak. The left side of her face drooped, and even her facial expression and personality had changed. PAWS veterinarians suspected a brain abnormality. A video of Jackie was sent to a board-certified veterinary neurologist who agreed that Jackie had probably suffered a vascular event in her brain - what is commonly referred to in human medicine as a "stroke."

During the first week after her stroke, this sweet coyote's future was uncertain. Jackie seemed frustrated with her own body, and would growl and bite at her legs when they refused to work. Her struggle was hard to watch, but at the same time gave us hope that if there was any way to recover from this event, this determined little coyote might be able to do it. Reluctant to move, Jackie preferred to rest in her den where keepers would place food and water within her reach. Coyotes are notoriously observant and wary, and it took some creativity to hide her medications in her food so she wouldn't refuse to take them or spit them out.

Over the next several days and weeks Dr. Gai spent time sitting with Jackie in her little enclosure, watching closely for signs of improvement. During these visits Jackie would struggle to sit up and stand and would lean against Dr. Gai for support. These visits became a form of much needed physical therapy, as Jackie was both stimulated to move, and physically supported while she re-learned how to stand and walk. Soon, we began to notice very subtle, tiny improvements. Her face droop gradually went away, and she was slowly learning how to lift and place her paws without dragging them. Within a short period of time she was standing on her own, even walking short distances without support. Our hearts soared with hope!

Larry, Seth, and the other keepers worked diligently to get Jackie's entire habitat ready to accommodate her disability. They filled in any of the holes she had dug with soil and sand, creating a smooth and even surface that would be easy for her to navigate. They also thinned out some of the bushes and grasses, leaving her favorite hiding spots but also creating clear areas for her to walk without obstruction. Exactly one month after her stroke, Jackie was released from her small enclosure back into her large habitat. We were thrilled to see her explore her new digs, moving with a slight limp but a confident trot nonetheless.

Today, a little more than three months after her stroke, Jackie is back to her active, busy lifestyle. Except for a slight limp that comes and goes, she is moving well and seems to really enjoy her newly "remodeled" habitat.

At 14 years old, Jackie is considered elderly - as are many of the animals who call PAWS sanctuaries home. Our goals are to provide animals with expert and compassionate care, to support them nutritionally and medically, and to provide an environment where they have the freedom to choose how to spend their days, and where they are free to express natural behaviors. Jackie's fierce determination to overcome challenges is an inspiration to all of us, and a reminder of the resilient spirit in wild animals.

To donate towards Jackie's care, click here.

To adopt Jackie and to learn about how she came to live at PAWS, click here.

Pat Derby and Ed Stewart at ARK 2000.

PAWS Remembers Co-founder Pat Derby

Three years ago this month PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, lost her battle with cancer. Pat may no longer be with us, yet we feel her presence every day. Her

Pat Derby at ARK 2000

legacy of compassion and dedication to captive wildlife is alive in every animal who has found refuge at our three sanctuaries, and drives our efforts to protect captive wild animals from abuse and exploitation.

Pat was a famous exotic animal trainer when she wrote the groundbreaking 1976 book, "The Lady and Her Tiger," that exposed the dark underside of animal

training in the entertainment industry. The book may have ended her Hollywood career, but it catapulted her, together with her partner of 37 years, PAWS President Ed Stewart, into rescuing and providing sanctuary for captive wildlife, advocating on their behalf, and fighting to end the use of wild animals in circuses and all forms of entertainment.

Pat believed in the power of sanctuary to transform exotic animals who were once forlorn back into the noble wild animals they are, by giving them a more natural environment, excellent care, and the opportunity to express natural behaviors - just letting them be wild animals again. That belief was the inspiration for the 2300-acre ARK 2000 natural habitat sanctuary, which today is home to Asian and African elephants, tigers, lion, black leopard and bears.

Ed Stewart continues to lead PAWS into the future, building on the work for captive wildlife that he and Pat started more than 30 years ago. We thank you, our supporters - whether a new friend or longtime partner - for making this work possible.

Read Ed Stewart's 2013 tribute to Pat Derby here.

"It had to begin with elephants.

I was born in love with all elephants;

not for a reason that I know,

not because of any of their individual qualities -

wisdom, kindness, power, grace, patience, loyalty -

but for what they are altogether,

for their entire elephantness."*

It had to begin with elephants. . .

Pat Derby: A Video Tribute

*Pat Derby, 1976: "The Lady and Her Tiger"

California state senator Ricardo Lara, pictured above holding a bullhook, has introduced SB 1062, legislation to ban this steel-tipped weapon used to dominate and control elephants through pain and fear. Seated next to Senator Lara is Oakland Zoo President and CEO Dr. Joel Parrott.

Senator Ricardo Lara Introduces Bill

to Ban Bullhooks in California

California state senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) has again introduced legislation to ban the use of cruel bullhooks on elephants, SB 1062. Our supporters may recall that PAWS, working together with The Humane Society of the U.S. and the Oakland Zoo, passed a bullhook bill last year. Unfortunately, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the bill because it called for criminal penalties. This new bill is a non-criminal version of last year's bill, which we hope to again pass and send to the Governor's desk. But we will need your help to get there!

The bullhook is a steel-tipped weapon resembling a fireplace poker that is used to dominate and control elephants through pain and fear. Handlers use the bullhook to forcefully prod, hook and strike elephants on sensitive parts of their bodies during training, performances and routine handling. Even when not in use, the bullhook is a constant reminder of the painful punishment that can be delivered at any time.

PAWS has worked with elephants for more than 30 years, and even though we care for bulls and highly dangerous elephants, we do not use a bullhook. No AZA-accredited zoo in California uses this cruel and archaic weapon.

Today, there is a more modern and humane way of managing elephants that uses positive reinforcement training, food treats and gentle words of encouragement. With this method, excellent husbandry and veterinary care are provided without the use of intimidation and painful punishment.

The cities of Los Angeles and Oakland prohibit use of the bullhook, and San Francisco has prohibited the use of all performing wild animals. We will need the help of all California residents to make our state the first in the nation to ban the bullhook!

What you can do right now

Be sure to "like" PAWS' Facebook page, where we will be posting the latest information on how Californians can help pass this important bill.

Stay tuned for PAWS alerts containing information on contacting your elected officials, urging them to support SB 1062.

If you don't live in California, but know friends and family who do, please alert them to SB 1062. Or consider working to pass a ban on bullhooks in your area.

For more information, please contact Catherine Doyle, PAWS' director of science, research and advocacy, at cdoyle@pawsweb.org.

Fire fighters from Pine Grove Camp #12 visit ARK 2000.

A Visit to ARK 2000

On February 17th, members of the Pine Grove Camp #12 visited ARK 2000 and were given a special tour by PAWS President Ed Stewart. This is the only Division of Juvenile Justice fire camp in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDRC) fire camp system. The fire fighters range in age from 18 to 23, and are trained and employed by Cal Fire as a Type 1 Hand Crew whose primary mission is direct attack on wild land fires and the rehabilitation of lands affected by fire. During the winter months they work on fuel reduction projects to reduce the fire danger in high risk areas and work to clean local streams and rivers to reduce the potential of flooding.

The juvenile camp program is designed to teach employability skills and prepare young men in the juvenile corrections system to reintegrate back in to society, reducing the recidivism rate. The men are taught the value of hard work and service to the community. The fire fighters who toured ARK 2000 were chosen by their counselors and fire captains because they had demonstrated a solid work ethic, good behavior and, of special note, each one had been assigned to fight the Butte Fire last year. We thank them for their efforts in our community, and wish them all the very best.

What Will You Do to Help Animals?

On Thursday, March 3rd, compassionate people across the globe will be recognizing World Wildlife Day by raising awareness of the wild animals with whom we share this planet. This year's theme is "The future of wildlife is in our hands," with a special focus on African and Asian elephants. It is estimated that 100,000 African elephants were slaughtered for their ivory between 2010 and 2012. Asian elephant populations are being seriously impacted by loss of habitat and human-elephant conflict. While there is progress, more needs to be done to protect elephants and to stop the illicit trafficking of wildlife.

You can take part in World Wildlife Day in various ways:

Visit PAWS' Facebook page on March 3rd for social media actions you can get involved in.

If your state is considering a prohibition on the sale of ivory, write and call your elected officials in support of the bill.

Don't forget the wildlife in your backyard. Support local conservation projects and visit regional and national parks. Think globally, act locally!

Never buy products made from illegally-trafficked wildlife. Avoid products containing palm oil, the production of which is threatening orangutans with extinction and endangering many other species.

Visit the websites of conservation organizations and their Facebook pages, including the Amboseli Trust for Elephants and ElephantVoices. Support these organizations with your donations.

Watch a wildlife documentary on television or online.

Share your compassion for wildlife with your friends, family and colleagues.

Good News for Animals

Another city bans bullhooks! Kudos to the Minneapolis City Council for voting unanimously to pass a ban on the use of inhumane bullhooks on elephants in circuses and traveling shows.

Cambridge, Mass., bans use of wild animals in entertainment. By unanimous vote Cambridge became the eighth city in Massachusetts to ban wild animals in circuses.

Responsible tourism. Global British travel company, Thomas Cook, has joined a growing number of travel agencies that no longer promote elephant rides and shows due to the cruelty involved. The company responded to a World Animal Protection petition signed by almost 175,000 people.

Making space for elephants. The African nation of Malawi is creating a 42,000-acre preserve within the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve that will provide 500 elephants with a safe refuge. The elephants will be relocated from two other parks in order to ease environmental pressures and give the relocated herds room to grow. The non-profit African Parks will manage the new preserve.

Crushing the ivory trade. Last month Sri Lanka became the first country in South Asia to destroy its store of confiscated ivory, crushing 350 African elephant tusks. The tusks were seized nearly four years ago en route to Dubai from Kenya. Sri Lanka - the 16th country to destroy its warehoused ivory - hopes to send the message that blood ivory has no value.

Update on Import of Wild Elephants

From Swaziland to US Zoos

Animal protection organization Friends of Animals has filed a lawsuit challenging the permit that would allow three US zoos - the Dallas Zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas - to import 18 wild caught elephants from Swaziland. The organization's lawsuit claims that the US government has not fully evaluated the impact that this traumatic import would have on the physical and emotional well-being of the young elephants who have been torn from their families.

In the meantime, media stories around the world are highlighting the opposition of conservationists and animal welfare groups to the import. The articles cite a statement coordinated by PAWS that was signed by 80 conservationists, scientists, veterinarians and animal welfare and policy experts condemning the import.

PAWS will continue to provide information on this situation. For the most up to date information and to learn what you can do to help, visit The Big Rumble: Stop US Zoos From Importing Elephants on Facebook.

African elephants Thika (left) and Toka at ARK 2000.

March 5

ARK 2000 Open House

Tickets are still available for our ARK 2000 Open House to be held on Saturday, March 5, 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. Tickets must be purchased in advance - we do not sell tickets at the gate on the day of the event.

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, March 3, 2016.

Save the Date: PAWS' 2016 Conference

PAWS is currently in the planning stages for its 2016 International Captive Wild Animal Conference which will take place November 11-13 in San Andreas, California, home to PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary. The conference will feature some of the leading experts and voices for captive wildlife, representing the fields of animal care and welfare, scientific research, conservation, ethics and law. We will be publishing more information soon.

A BIG Thank You!

February Amazon Wish List Donors

Linda Trautman: one 24" push broom. Angela S. Maturino: one bottle AminAvast, 60#. Elizabeth McKnight: one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine, Skin & Coat, one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium. Joe Greenhalgh: three bottles of Renal Essentials, 90#, three bottles of Azodyl, 90#. Patricia Connelly: one case of copy paper, two boxes of Nitrile gloves, one gallon Red Cell. Harold Hansen: one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium, one bottle of AminAvast, 60#. Eva Herbert: two bottles of Azodyl, 90#. Mi Bozo: one case of copy paper. Lynn Castiglione: one 2-cycle motor oil. Sharon Elkin: one bottle of Azodyl, 90#, one 30 lb. bag of Blue Buffalo food. Lisa Brauer: one bottle Emcelle tocopherol, liquid Vitamin E. Janet K. MacEachern: one bottle Renal essentials, 90#, one bottle Azodyl, 90#, one bottle CosequinDS, 132#, one bottle AminAvast, 60#. Vida Khavar: two 40 lb. cases of oranges. Cecelia Littlepage: one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium, one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin and Coat, one box Nitrile gloves. Carole Bognar: one 315 ft. spool of trimmer line. Diane M. McHenry: one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin and Coat, one bottle Renal Essentials, 90#. Dave Michaels: four gallons of Optima 365; four boxes of 30-gallon trash bags. Anonymous Donors: 3 gallons Red Cell, one scoop/shovel for the elephant barns, one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium.

VIEW OUR AMAZON WISH LIST

View wish list items that are needed,

but not listed on the Amazon list, here.

There are many ways you can help PAWS animals:


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! Learn more PAWS Amazon Wish List View here 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 Learn more about what is needed. Donate Your Vehicle To PAWS. Learn more	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. Learn more 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. Learn more PAWS is rated a 4-Star Charity	Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise. Clothing for adults, kids, toddlers and infants, as well as other fun merchandise like coffee mugs - available from our online gift shop. Estates/Planned Giving You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home! Learn more 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