PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

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

Meet Jack the Bear

In 2007 PAWS received a request for help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which contacted us seeking a permanent home for a recently captured American Black Bear. The bear had been deemed non-releasable due to problematic interactions with humans and was scheduled to be euthanized within a week if a suitable home could not be found. PAWS' co-founders Ed Stewart and the late Pat Derby agreed to take the bear who would later be named Jack. Because Jack's need for placement was urgent, Ed and a crew made up of staff and volunteers immediately got to work remodeling a large habitat for him at our Galt sanctuary. The project included building a swimming pool for the bear.

Jack arrived at PAWS and began to settle into his new home. As is common with so many wild animals forced into captivity, he never seemed completely content or satisfied in his Galt sanctuary home. Pat and Ed dreamed of giving him more room to roam, in a habitat that would provide him more of what he was missing from his former life in the wild. That dream became reality when construction on the Bob Barker Bear Habitat was completed at ARK 2000 in the summer of 2011. In October, Jack was moved from our Galt sanctuary to his new California foothills home in San Andreas. (See video below.)

Jack's two-acre habitat was built in an oak forest - full of grass and natural vegetation, fallen logs, rocks and a custom pool - providing him with opportunities to express natural bear behaviors such as exploration, foraging, digging, and climbing. Jack enjoys the natural foods available to him which vary with the seasons. When acorns are plentiful he shakes the oak trees to make the tasty nuts fall down to the ground where they are eagerly devoured. In early spring, when the tender green grass sprouts, Jack grazes to his heart's content. (Yes, bears eat grass!)

In addition to the abundant, naturally-available foods in his habitat, PAWS' dedicated staff of animal caregivers also provide Jack with a variety of protein, vegetables, and fruits each day. Part of his diet is cleverly hidden in multiple locations throughout the spacious enclosure so he can use his keen sense of smell to forage and find these hidden treats.

On hot summer days Jack, like all the bears living at ARK 2000, swims and splashes in his pool. After a satisfying swim in the cool water he can usually be found napping on a thick bed of leaves in the shade of a large oak tree. At night Jack can choose to sleep indoors in his cozy den or remain outside under the stars.

Jack's neighbors at ARK 2000 are Boo Boo and Winston, two rescued, captive-born male black bears purchased as babies by individuals who tried to keep them as pets. (You can read their stories here.)

Human-wildlife conflicts frequently end in the death of an animal. Fortunately, Jack's life was spared. Unfortunately, he will never again be able to roam freely in the wild where he belongs. The best we can do is to provide him with as much of a natural life as is possible in captivity.

You make our work of providing a better life for Jack and all our rescued and retired wild animals possible. Thank you.

Click here to adopt Jack.

PAWS Co-founder Pat Derby:

Forever Our Inspiration

PAWS Co-founder Pat Derby would have celebrated another birthday on June 7th. Sadly, the world lost this fearless leader for the animals to cancer in 2013. Pat was a former Hollywood animal trainer who first championed the cause of performing wild animals nearly 40 years ago when she published a tell-all book, The Lady and Her Tiger. She exposed the behind-the-scenes abuse of wild animals used in entertainment, which, not surprisingly, brought her Hollywood

career to end. But it marked the beginning of her heart's work of rescuing and caring for captive wildlife, and advocating for an end to the use of wild and exotic animals in entertainment.

Each and every day we think about Pat and all that she, together with her partner, PAWS Co-founder and President Ed Stewart, have accomplished for captive wildlife. Her legacy lives on in the 2,300-acre, natural habitat ARK 2000 sanctuary, where, today, wild animals like elephants, bears and tigers live in dignity and peace.

This year, PAWS will be opening the Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center, a comprehensive veterinary facility that will better serve the animals we care for at the sanctuary. It is a fitting and vital tribute to Pat and her unending love for animals.

Register Today!

Registration is now open for the PAWS 2016 International Captive Wildlife Conference on November 11-12, 2016, followed by an optional visit to the ARK 2000 sanctuary on November 13, led by PAWS President Ed Stewart. This is an event you won't want to miss. Space is limited, so register early!

This premier global summit addresses the confinement and use of exotic and wild animals - with a special focus on elephants, bears and big cats - and featured speakers on the next wave of sanctuaries for elephants, orcas and nonhuman primates. You can expect to hear from leading voices in the fields of scientific research, sanctuary care, conservation, law, and animal welfare, policy and care.

This year's conference will be held in San Andreas, California, home to PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary where we care for elephants, lion, black leopard, tigers and bears. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit our beautiful, 2,300-acre natural habitat sanctuary.

PAWS has been presenting outstanding conferences since 1992, attracting attendees from around the world. Our aim is to educate, stimulate critical discussion and promote action to protect and improve the welfare of captive wildlife.

Conference Program (full program will be available in early September)

Friday, Nov. 11: Bears/Big Cats - Followed by Ice Breaker Reception

Saturday, Nov. 12: Elephants/Next Wave Sanctuaries

Sunday, Nov. 13: Morning visit to ARK 2000 (conference attendees only)

Featured Speakers (to date): Sarah Baeckler Davis, Project Chimps; Carson Barylak, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); Carol and Howard Baskin, Big Cat Rescue; Scott Blais, Global Sanctuary for Elephants - Brazil; Bobbi Brink, Lions, Tigers and Bears; Catherine Doyle, Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); Chris Draper, Born Free Foundation; Dr. Jackie Gai, DVM, Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoo; Pat Lampi, Alaska Zoo; Lori Marino, The Whale Sanctuary Project; Carney Anne Nasser, Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF); William Nimmo, Tigers in America; Nicole Paquette, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS); Dr. Joel Parrott, Oakland Zoo; Brittany Peet, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation (PETA); Adam Roberts, Born Free USA; Jamie Sherman, U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Ed Stewart, Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); Julie Woodyer, Zoocheck; Janice Zeitlin, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES).

See you in November!

Update: SB 1062

Bill to Ban Bullhooks in California

SB 1062, the bill introduced by state senator Ricardo Lara to ban the use of cruel bullhooks on elephants, cleared three important Assembly committees this month. (Thank you to all the Assembly members whose votes have taken us this far!) The bill now moves to the full Assembly for a vote; it has already passed the California Senate. If passed by the Assembly, SB 1062 would be sent to the Governor to sign into law.

The bullhook is a weapon resembling a fireplace poker, with a sharpened steel tip and hook at the end. Handlers use the bullhook to forcefully strike, prod, and hook elephants on sensitive parts of their bodies, controlling these very intelligent and sensitive animals through pain and fear.

Today there is a safer and more humane way of managing elephants that uses positive reinforcement training, food treats and praise. With this method, keepers provide a full range of husbandry and veterinary care without the use of intimidation and painful punishment.

No AZA-accredited zoo in California uses bullhooks, and we have never used a bullhook at PAWS. The cities of Los Angeles and Oakland have banned the bullhook, and San Francisco has prohibited the use of all performing wild animals.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this bill, showed up at meetings, and contacted their representatives. Stay tuned for more on SB 1062 and how California residents can take action.

For more information, please contact Catherine Doyle, PAWS' director of science, research and advocacy, at [email protected].

Gods in Shackles filmmaker and journalist Sangita Iyer.

PAWS Attends LA Premiere of Impactful Documentary Film, Gods In Shackles

PAWS President Ed Stewart and Director of Science, Research & Advocacy


	*Manny Oteyza, Kristin Bauer van Straten and Ed Stewart at the LA screening of the documentary Gods in Shackles.*

Catherine Doyle attended the gala Hollywood screening of Gods In Shackles, a must-see documentary film by journalist and filmmaker Sangita Iyer. PAWS enthusiastically supports this important film that takes you behind the scenes to expose the dark side of the southern Indian state of Kerala's glamorous cultural festivals where temple elephants are cruelly exploited for profit under the guise of culture and religion.

In the film, Iyer contrasts the corrupt mixture of politics, commerce and culture involved in perpetrating the suffering of bull elephants in festivals and temples, with interviews featuring renowned Indian conservationists, religious and cultural leaders, and animal welfare organizations who oppose these practices and debunk their cultural and religious significance. The film closes with hope, showing the temple elephant Sunder, who had been chained and abused for six years, now free in a natural habitat wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Among the large and enthusiastic crowd were PAWS' friends Kristin Bauer van Straten, star of HBO's True Blood and the TV series Once Upon A Time, fine jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald, and Kat Kramer, daughter of Academy Award-winning director Stanley Kramer. Also in attendance was Manny Oteyza, producer of the game-changing documentary film Blackfish. Celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean helped present the film.

Learn more about Gods in Shackles here.

VIDEO: "Gods In Shackles" trailer

Good News for Animals

The National Aquarium in Maryland recently announced that it is creating North America's first dolphin sanctuary, a protected, year-round seaside refuge that would provide a natural environment for the Aquarium's eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The Aquarium aims to move the dolphins into the sanctuary by 2020. The facility discontinued dolphin breeding in 2011 and has no plans for breeding at the sanctuary.

The City of Plattsville Common Council in New York voted to ban the use of wild animals in entertainment, after the city was approached by a circus that wanted to perform there. Mayor James Calnon supported the decision for captive wild animals, stating, "It is not a healthy life for them."

The Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina just announced that it will be closing. The zoo's 2,500 animals will be moved to nature reserves in the country, according to Mayor Horacio Rodr�guez Larreta who stated: "This situation of captivity is degrading for the animals, it's not the way to take care of them." The 140-year-old zoo will become an educational eco-park and provide refuge and rehabilitation for animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. Older and infirm animals will remain at the current site, but will not be on exhibit to the public. Attorney Gerardo Biglia, who campaigned for the zoo's closure, told the press: "I think there is a change coming for which we are already prepared because kids nowadays consider it obvious that it's wrong for animals to be caged. The most important thing is breaking with the model of captivity and exhibition."

The destruction of ivory continues: Singapore crushed nearly eight tonnes of ivory worth about $10 million. South Sudan burned more than five tonnes of confiscated ivory and rhino horn as part of its plan to curb poaching and fight the illegal wildlife trade.

Missing the Mark, a new report published by the House Natural Resources Committee Democratic staff, has found that contrary to claims that trophy hunting benefits imperiled species, there is little evidence to show that the practice has helped African wildlife conservation. Read the report here.

A BIG Thank You!

PAWS President Ed Stewart draws the winning ticket for a quilted elephant wall hanging made and donated by McKensey Middleton, pictured holding her creation.

Trumpets and Rumbles

to McKensey Middleton!

At our ARK 2000 educational open house in May, there was a special raffle for a stunning elephant-themed quilted wall hanging. Calaveras County resident McKensey Middleton created the wall hanging for a senior class project at local Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp. Upon completion, she very generously decided to raffle the artwork to benefit the elephants at ARK 2000. McKensey initially sold raffle tickets on her own, with a final sale at the open house where she was able to top her goal of raising $1000 for PAWS.

McKensey spent five months creating the beautiful quilted elephant, under the guidance of Candy Guitterrez of Arnold Independent Hall Quilters. She stated, "I'm happy to contribute to such a great organization and I am grateful for this experience."

PAWS President Ed Stewart drew the winning ticket. Ana Teresi was the lucky winner of the wall hanging.

June Amazon Wish List Donors

Patricia L. Connelly: one spool of commercial grade trimmer line; four 1 liter bottles of hand sanitizer. Carole Bognar: one scoop shovel. Nina Dillingham: two 32 oz. Wheat Germ; one 20 lb. Psyllium. Kitty Hawk: two cases of unsalted peanuts in the shell. William Fedun: one box of nitrile gloves, medium. Jennifer Clarke: one EZ-Up tent. Angela S. Maturino: one 10 lb. Psyllium. Mary Harrison: one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link, Ultimate Skin & Coat; one 10 lb. bag of Missing Link Ultimate Equine Skin & Coat. Agostino Ippolito: one case of unsalted peanuts in the shell. Alyson Rossi: one scoop shovel. Lois Wagenseil: one 5 lb. Psyllium; one box of nitrile gloves; one 24" garden rake. Dan Fitchie: one set of Motorola walkie talkies. Sharon Elkin: one 5 lb. Psyllium. Sally Holloway: one bottle of CosequinDS, 250#. Anonymous Donors: one case of popcorn kernels; three boxes of nitrile gloves (S/M/LG); one gallon of Red Cell.

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