By PAWS
As PAWS looks ahead to its 42nd year, the organization is celebrating a powerful season of impact made possible by compassionate supporters. In 2025, PAWS rescued and welcomed new sanctuary residents—including bears, big cats, and lions—saved from severe neglect and cruelty, expanded its education programs for veterinary and college students, advanced critical legislation to protect…
By PAWS
At the start of this year’s GivingTuesday campaign, Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is turning the spotlight on its six rescued elephants — calling on elephant-lovers everywhere to “give big.” With roughly $40,000 a month required to provide these gentle giants with food, habitat, and 24/7 care, PAWS aims to raise $80,000+ to sustain their…
By PAWS
PAWS celebrates the 12-year anniversary of African elephants Thika and Toka arriving at the sanctuary—marking Thika’s 45th birthday and honoring Toka’s resilience after a traumatic early life—while highlighting how both now thrive in peaceful, natural habitats. The newsletter also introduces Meg the tiger and Pasha the lion, two of more than 300 animals seized from…
By PAWS
In this issue, PAWS warmly welcomes Archer, a five-year-old bobcat and the sanctuary’s newest resident. Rescued from the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in Butte County after an animal welfare investigation, Archer joins fellow survivors Dally the black bear, Casey the mountain lion, and Cleo the tiger. After receiving excellent interim care at Sonoma County…
By PAWS
PAWS is one of the few U.S. sanctuaries dedicated to rescuing and caring for bears while also fighting against their exploitation in zoos, traveling shows, cub petting operations, and the exotic pet trade. At PAWS, bears live in spacious, natural habitats where caregivers encourage natural foraging behaviors to keep them healthy and engaged. The sanctuary…
By PAWS
This summer, PAWS is preparing for rising temperatures by keeping both animals and staff cool and comfortable. Residents enjoy fresh water, pools, sprinklers, shade, and enrichment like frozen fruit “popsicles” for bears, while elephants take mud baths for cooling and skin protection. Caregivers work in shaded areas, stay hydrated, and look out for one another,…
By PAWS
Two more seized wild animals find refuge at PAWS sanctuary—the second intake in two months. SAN ANDREAS, CA, UNITED STATES, June 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) recently welcomed two big cats to its San Andreas, Calif., sanctuary, following a major law enforcement operation in Oregon. The big cats were among…
By PAWS
In May 2025, PAWS welcomed two big cats rescued from Oregon’s West Coast Game Park Safari after a large-scale law enforcement seizure of 322 animals stemming from serious animal welfare violations. Working with the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, all animals were placed in accredited facilities, and the new arrivals are now settling in under expert…
By PAWS
This month’s PAWS newsletter celebrates a major milestone for Nicholas, an Asian elephant who finally shed a long-problematic molar after over a decade—bringing immense relief to both him and his devoted caregivers. The issue highlights the complexities of elephant dental health, the lasting effects of captivity, and the compassionate care provided by PAWS. It also…
By PAWS
Meet Casey, a 13-year-old female mountain lion and one of the newest additions to the PAWS family. Rescued in March from the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in California following a criminal investigation into animal welfare violations, Casey is now safe and thriving in her spacious new home. With her striking looks, bright eyes, and…