Safe sanctuary and lifetime care for captive wild animals
PAWS works toward a future where wild animals will no longer be mistreated, exploited, and held captive for entertainment and profit – and sanctuaries like ours will no longer be needed.
Our mission
PAWS is dedicated to the protection of performing animals, to providing sanctuary for abused, abandoned and retired captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitats, and to promoting public education about captive wildlife issues.
PAWS history
1984
PAWS is established
Former Hollywood animal trainer, the late Pat Derby, and partner Ed Stewart found the Performing Animal Welfare Society to rescue and provide sanctuary for captive wild animals used for entertainment, and to advocate on their behalf. PAWS’ first sanctuary opens in Galt, Calif., in 1985.
1985
PAWS passes humane standards for captive wildlife in California
Working with California State Assemblyman Sam Farr, PAWS passes a bill setting humane standards for the care and handling of captive wildlife.
1986
First U.S. elephant sanctuary
PAWS becomes the first elephant sanctuary in the U.S. when “71”, a sickly baby African elephant, arrives in Galt from a private facility.
1989
PAWS passes elephant protection regulations in California
Following the horrific beating of African elephant Dunda at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, PAWS works with California State Senator Dan McCorquodale to pass elephant protection regulations.
1992
PAWS investigates and ends canned hunts in California
PAWS' investigation of canned hunts in California leads to passage of the Canned Hunt bill, prohibiting the shooting of captive wild animals at close range in the state.
1997
PAWS opens Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge
PAWS opens this sanctuary for exotic hoof stock, in Herald, California, in memory of the long-time PAWS benefactor and actress known for her role as “Miss Kitty” on the TV series Gunsmoke. This facility closes in 2023 after all the animals are brought to ARK 2000.
2002
ARK 2000 sanctuary opens
PAWS opens the 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary, set in the rolling hills of California's Gold Country. The sanctuary provides safe refuge and lifetime care for rescued and retired elephants, big cats, bears, and other wild animals in a more spacious and natural setting.
2004
Historic rescue of 39 tigers
PAWS undertakes the largest tiger rescue in U.S. history at the time, saving 39 abused and neglected tigers from a pseudo-sanctuary in Colton, California. A 10-acre facility is specially designed and constructed at ARK 2000 for the big cats.
2007
First U.S. sanctuary to care for a male elephant
Asian elephant Nicholas comes to PAWS from a facility that trains and leases animals to circuses. He becomes the first male elephant to be rescued and placed at a U.S. sanctuary.
2010
PAWS opens Bob Barker Bear Habitat
The Bob Barker/DJ&T Foundation Bear Habitat opens at ARK 2000 and provides spacious, natural environments for rescued bears.
2014
PAWS passes key bans on elephant bullhooks
PAWS teams up with the Humane Society of the United States and others to pass an ordinance banning elephant bullhooks in Los Angeles, Calif., followed by passage of a ban in Oakland, Calif. This puts pressure on circuses and sets the stage for bans on wild animals in circuses.
2016
PAWS passes statewide bullhook bans
PAWS co-sponsors the statewide ban on elephant bullhooks in Calif., together with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Oakland Zoo, and teams up with HSUS to prohibit bullhooks in the state of Rhode Island.
2017
PAWS opens on-site veternary clinic
The Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center opens at ARK 2000, providing on-site diagnosis and treatment of the sanctuary’s animals in a state-of-the-art veterinary facility.
2020
PAWS passes ban on wild animal acts in Los Angeles
PAWS orchestrates the Los Angeles, California, ordinance to ban wild animal acts and the use of captive wild animals for entertainment at private parties.
2022
PAWS helps pass federal Big Cat Public Safety Act
PAWS collaborates with animal protection groups and big cat sanctuaries to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act, ground-breaking legislation prohibiting the private ownership of big cats and ending cub petting operations.
2024
PAWS turns 40
PAWS celebrates 40 years of rescue, sanctuary, education and advocacy!
Officers and Directors
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Ed Stewart
Board President and PAWS Co-founder
Ed Stewart co-founded PAWS in 1984, together with the late Pat Derby. He has worked with legislators to pass landmark animal protection laws and shared his knowledge and innovative sanctuary designs with organizations around the world. He serves on the Director’s Advisory Committee on the Humane Care and Treatment of Wild Animals for the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and sits on the advisory committee for The Whale Sanctuary Project. -
Carol Haft
Director (Board Member since 2003)
Carol Haft retired from the California Department of Justice, where she served as an Administrator. Prior to that, she was a Latent Print Analyst, processing crime scene fingerprints for state and federal law enforcement agencies. Carol has been volunteering for PAWS for more than three decades. -
Debbie Morrow
Director (Board Member since 2013)
Debbie Morrow has been part of the PAWS family since 1999, first as a volunteer and later as an elephant keeper. Prior to her involvement with PAWS, Ms. Morrow served as an officer with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department for 25 years, until her retirement. -
Steven Pape
Director (Board Member since 2007)
Steven Pape has been associated with PAWS since 1992, when he began as a volunteer. Before retirement, Mr. Pape worked in business and finance, including the State of California’s Office of the Auditor General, CalTrans, the Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and CalPERS. -
Katia Bagatta
Director (Board Member since 2015)
Katia Bagatta was a sales executive for a large corporation before joining her family's restaurant and catering businesses. Ms. Bagatta is a long-time PAWS supporter whose philanthropic efforts have assisted PAWS in its mission. -
Kevin McCourt
Director (Board Member since 2016)
Kevin McCourt is a composer, performer, and musician who has worked with award-winning artists. His multimedia production company creates original music for soundtracks, commercials, feature films, and movie trailers. He co-founded the humane education non-profit Project OneSong for at-risk students. -
Kristina Wiley, DDS
Director (Board Member since 2021)
Dr. Kristina Wiley has been in private practice for more than 20 years. She has led surgical missions to provide dental care in Haiti and mentored at-risk youth. Dr. Wiley was honored as a 2019 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi. Her involvement with PAWS spans more than 10 years. -
Jackie Gai, DVM
Director (Board Member since 2021)
Dr. Jackie Gai joined PAWS in 2001; she has worked with captive and free-ranging wildlife since 1989. As Director of Veterinary Services, she leads a team providing expert medical care with compassion. She enjoys mentoring veterinary students, fostering empathy and a commitment to the well-being of wild animals in captivity. She has served on several committees to improve animal welfare, and volunteers to help animals affected by disasters such as oil spills and wildfires. -
Christine Gardner
Director (Board member since 2024)
Christine Gardner has a background in finance and operations, holding high level positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors. She has been involved with PAWS since 1997, lending her professional expertise at various special events.
Key Staff Members & Consultants
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Brian Busta
Managing Director
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Jackie Gai, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
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Renae Smith
Carnivore Team Supervisor
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Catherine Doyle, M.S.
Director of Science, Research and Public Policy
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Kim Gardner
Director of Programs, Media and Events
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Lisa Worgan
Operations Manager, San Andreas, and Staff Photographer
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Elliott Genovia
Office Manager, Galt
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Sandra Trousdale
CPA
