Performing Animal Welfare Society

The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is an advocacy group for abandoned or abused performing animals as well victims of the exotic animal trade. They claim 30,000 members. As a member accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS), the society follows guidelines stipulated by TAOS, one of which is that none of the elephants be bred. [cite web | title=Care Guidelines for Captive Elephants| work=TAOS | url=http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm | accessdate=February 3 | accessyear=2007]

History

Founded by former Hollywood animal trainer and author Pat Derby and partner Ed Stewart, PAWS works to ensure that animals are protected by the Endangered Species and the Animal Welfare Acts, as well as by local laws.

anctuary Facilities

PAWS maintains three sanctuaries for captive wildlife--a 30 acre sanctuary in Galt, California, the convert|100|acre|km2|sing=on Amanda Blake Wildlife Refuge in Herald, California and a third, ARK2000, which composes convert|2300|acre|km2 in San Andreas, California.

The animals live in facilities specifically designed for their needs; the elephants, for example, have access to convert|100|acre|km2 of land and have been given a jacuzzi for the more arthritic members of their family.

Animal Population

The sanctuaries currently house approximately twelve elephants, 53 exotic cats like tigers, lions , cougars, a black leopard, a serval, and a bobcat, eight bears mostly American black bears, eight primates mostly White-headed capuchins, and one coyote.

References

External links

* http://www.pawsweb.org
* http://www.pawsweb.org/officers_and_directors.html
* http://pawscast.blogspot.com/
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_elephants.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_tigers.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_primates.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_bears.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_african_lions.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_mountain_lions.html
* http://www.pawsweb.org/meet_other_species.html