PAWS is a true sanctuary - a forever home, without breeding or performing, for exotic animals. Taken in from zoos, roadside attractions, private pet ownership, etc., those in their care receive lots of space and care to live out their lives as best as they can, as returning to the wild is not an option. I've visited PAWS in the past and I love everything about them - what they offer for the animals, what they stand for opposing animals for entertainment / confinement, their never-ending-devotion to ending animal suffering. PAWS is one of the 'good guys', to say the least.
PAWS, run by Pat Derby and Ed Stewart for many years, is in SanAndreas, Calif. They painstakingly take care of rescued female Asian and African elephants in separate habitats and now have "Bull Mountain", home to several bull elephants. Bob Barker of Price Is Right fame is a benefactor to the elephants and has recently helped build the new bear habitats. Lions and tigers are in residence too on the over 2000 acres of rolling hills in sunny California. See their site and fall in love with all of the rescuees at pawsweb.org.
PAWS and ARK 2000 are two sanctuaries run by Pat Derby and Ed Stewart. PAWS is the facility for large wildlife that have been pain stakingly removed (often involving legal or governmental agencies) from abusive situations. ARK 2000 is the sanctuary that separately houses Asian, African and bull elephants. The tenacity and dedication that all the staff exhibit is truly admirable. Pat and Ed live on the property in meager housing to be ever-ready. I visited both of the sanctuaries and spent two days with these two admirable individuals and their staff. I observed how the animals were cared for and what environment they lived in. It was a heart warming experience. I only wish I lived close enough to volunteer on a regular basis.
Review from CharityNavigator
I have not visited as a volunteer yet, but PAWS is one of 2 TRUE sanctuaries in the North America and the only sanctuary that provides sanctuary to bull elephants. You only have to visit their website to know that this a compassionate, moral, ethical organization. Watch the videos of their permanently retired residents and you will see how happy they are.
They advocate for the animals. They go out of their way to give sanctuary to animals. They have good people behind them to create first class facilities such as Bob Barker. Everything they do is top notch, first rate for the animals.
This is the best charitable organization that have been involved with. The President, Pat Derby, does this for love, compassion and and truly wants to provide better lives for abandoned and mistreated performing animals. Additionally, PAWS promotes leglislation for the protection of these animals.P AWS animal sancturaries are amazing. I have never left with dry eyes.
This year, I am increasing my donations to PAWS while deducting from other as PAWS, I feel, has truly have earned the five stars they have achieved and deserves much more as their funds are put back to the animals.
Review from CharityNavigator
This is the most amazing organization I have ever had the priviledge of giving money to. They have excellent communication, they are very open about their financials, and best of all a tremendous amount of what you give goes to the animals that they have rescued or are trying to rescue from inhumane conditions. The rest goes toward educating the public on the abuses suffered by captive held animals. I am proud to be able to help them continue their good work!