PAWS "Seeing the Elephant"
Educational Getaway Packages

Dates listed above are for the 1-day getaway. If you are booking a 2-day
getaway, you will arrive on Friday and depart on Sunday.

An exotic sight,
unequaled experience,
and the adventure of a lifetime!

"To forty-niners and those on the trek for riches, no expression characterized the California Gold Rush more than the words “seeing the elephant.” Those traveling west announced they were “going to see the elephant.” Those turning back claimed they had seen the “elephant’s tracks” or the “elephant’s tail,” and confessed they’d seen more than enough of the animal. For Gold Rushers, the elephant symbolized the high cost of their endeavor — the myriad possibilities on the journey — and, an exotic sight, unequaled experience, and the adventure of a lifetime." - from THEY SAW THE ELEPHANT: WOMEN IN THE CALIFORNIA GOLD
RUSH by JoAnn Levy

Visit ARK 2000, in the Gold Rush town of San Andreas, California, where “seeing the elephant” is once again. . . an exotic sight, unequaled experience and the adventure of a lifetime!

Understanding Elephants
Our “Seeing the Elephant” getaways are designed to provide a better understanding of elephants as individuals and their needs in captivity. Participants spend the day with PAWS co-founders and directors, Pat Derby and Ed Stewart, and the PAWS elephants, observing the individual personalities and learning about the differences between African and Asian elephants, socialization of unrelated animals and the special handling that is required for bull elephants like Nicholas. Demonstrations on foot care and positive reinforcement training to deal with medical problems, and long hikes through the elephant’s habitats are included in this diverse, educational program.

Elephants in captivity have suffered greatly and need specialized care. The unique elephants who share our lives are representative of all captive elephants. We hope to provide an experience that will enlighten our visitors to the problems inherent in keeping these highly social animals in captive situations and the understanding and care which is necessary to meet each individual elephant’s special needs. At the end of the day participants will, truly, have “Seen the Elephant.”

"Seeing the Elephant"
2-Day Weekend Getaway

Your Schedule

• Arrival in San Andreas, California, on Friday.
• Spend Friday and Saturday nights at a lovely bed & breakfast in this historic Gold Rush town.
• Awake each morning to a scrumptious, homemade breakfast.
• SATURDAY features an educational, fun-filled, daylong visit with PAWS’ elephants — Rebecca, Annie, Wanda, Mara, Nicholas, Gypsy, Lulu, Ruby and Maggie at ARK 2000.
• You’ll receive an “insider’s” tour of the elephant habitat and spend the day with the founders/directors of PAWS — renowned elephant/wildlife experts and authors — Pat Derby and Ed Stewart.
• A vegetarian picnic lunch will be served.
• Also included — a visit to the tiger habitat where you may catch a glimpse of the rescued tigers of ARK 2000!
• On your own for dinner Friday and Saturday.
• SUNDAY features a special tour of the PAWS Galt sanctuary, a short 45-minute drive from San Andreas. There you will meet the rescued animals who call this sanctuary home — Capuchin monkeys, a bobcat, a rhesus monkey, lions, tigers, mountain lions, a Serval cat, a leopard, a coyote, and bears.

Donation price for this unique experience: $750 per person
($1,000 for 2 people sharing a room)

To make your pre-paid reservation, contact Kim Gardner (916) 488-3991 or kgardner@pawsweb.org

"Seeing the Elephant"
Saturday, 1-Day Getaway

Your schedule:
• Arrival in San Andreas, California, by 9 a.m.
• Take part in an educational, fun-filled, day visit with PAWS’ elephants — Rebecca, Annie, Wanda, Mara, Nicholas, Gypsy, Lulu, Ruby and Maggie at ARK 2000. You’ll explore elephant habitat and spend the day with the founders/directors of PAWS — renowned elephant/wildlife experts and authors — Pat Derby and Ed Stewart.
• A vegetarian picnic lunch will be served.
• Also included — a visit to the tiger habitat where you may catch a glimpse of the rescued tigers of ARK 2000!

Donation price for this
unique experience: $200 per person

To make your pre-paid reservation, contact Kim Gardner (916) 488-3991 or kgardner@pawsweb.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often do the “Seeing the Elephant” getaways take place?
A. Approximately once per month – with the exception of rainy, muddy winter months and hot, dry summer months.  (Generally no visits during December, January, July, August)

Q. What are the times?
A. The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m.

Q. How do I get there?
A. After you book your trip, you will receive confirmation, directions and other necessary information — about 1 week prior to your scheduled visit.

Q. Is there much walking?
A. Yes, the visits are primarily on foot. However, guests may rest as needed.
 
Q. How many people take part?
A. The groups are generally limited to 20 people.

Q. What about lunch?
A. You will be served a veggie (specify if you would like vegan) lunch by the elephant lake.

Q. Can I touch the elephants?
A. For safety purposes, there is no touching and all guests must stay a safe distance back.

Q. Can I take pictures or video?
A. Please bring your cameras, binoculars, video.

Q. What else should I bring?
A. Sun block, hat, comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Visits are rain or shine!

Q. Can I bring my young child?
A. This experience is not suitable for those under 13 years of age.
 
Q. When can I bring my child to see the elephants?
A. We generally have 2 or 3 public open houses during the year that are open to all ages.  See our calendar of events for specific dates, times and donation fees.

Q. Is there anything else I should remember?
A. Yes. Please remember there is no smoking allowed on any PAWS property. And please leave your pets at home. We do not allow any pets on PAWS property, and that includes our parking lots!

Q. Are reservations required?
A. Yes.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling (916) 488-3991 or e-mailing kgardner@pawsweb.org

Please click here to view printable "Seeing the Elephant" getaway information.