PAWS

Founded in 1984, the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) rescues, advocates, and provides humane sanctuary for captive wild animals. #elephants #sanctuary

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

PAWS is thrilled to welcome two new tigers to our sanctuary family: J.B. and Franklin. The pair were among a group of tigers given to a private facility and are tied to the closure of a sham “sanctuary” known for mistreating and neglecting its animals. They are already settling in beautifully at PAWS. J.B. loves relaxing in his pool, while Franklin enjoys the soft grass in his spacious habitat, happily chuffing his approval.

With their arrival, PAWS now provides lifelong sanctuary for 9 tigers.

Watch out for our July newsletter to learn more about J.B. and Franklin and their surprising connection to several other PAWS residents, including Dally, Cleo, Casey, and Archer.
#tigers #sanctuary #PAWS https://t.co/FnAF9evvQj

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

PAWS' June Newsletter is ready to read! https://t.co/mQmjOmiDQE
In this issue:
How Elephants Sleep | PAWS Conference Registration Open | Happy Birthday Cleo! | Remembering Pat Derby | Helping Captive Elephants Globally

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

https://t.co/bQV4PXyaFp
The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference – the world’s longest-running international conference dedicated to examining the realities of wild animals in captivity – will take place in Sacramento, California, October 2-3, with an optional trip to the PAWS sanctuary on October 4.

Since 1992, the conference has brought together scientists, advocates, caregivers, policymakers, educators, and animal protection professionals from around the world to advance knowledge, share research, exchange ideas, and advance the protection of captive wild animals.

Register early and save! Substantial early bird discounts are available through Friday, August 14.

This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of speakers and presentations.

Day one will explore a range of pressing issues, including the exotic pet trade, public encounters with captive wild animals, the growing trade in sloths for public exhibition, marine mammals, international big cat rescues, and an investigation into the U.S. captive bird trade.

Day two is devoted to elephants. Attendees will hear from leading elephant experts including researchers Shermin de Silva, Liv Baker, and Khatijah Rahmat. Additional presentations will examine elephant tourism, sanctuary care – including Portugal’s new Pangea Trust sanctuary – and other topics affecting elephant welfare and conservation.

We are also pleased to welcome three acclaimed authors: Carol Bradley, author of Last Chain on Billy and a forthcoming book on captive tigers; Andrew Westoll, whose forthcoming book scrutinizes modern zoos; and Eve D’Vincent, author of Captive Ambassadors.

For conference details, a list of confirmed speakers, and registration information, click here.

Join us to learn, engage in meaningful discussion, and connect with others committed to ending the exploitation of captive wildlife worldwide.

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Take a look at Meg's incredible nose and her magnificent whiskers! They may be adorable, but in the wild they're essential survival tools.

A tiger's whiskers are highly sensitive and deeply rooted, allowing them to detect tiny changes in air movement, navigate through dense vegetation, and even determine whether they can fit through a narrow opening. They also help tigers locate and securely grasp prey, especially during nighttime hunts when visibility is low.

And that amazing nose? A tiger's sense of smell helps it detect prey, recognize other tigers, identify territory markings, and even determine whether another tiger is ready to mate. Combined with their exceptional hearing and night vision, their nose plays a vital role in helping them thrive in the wild.

Here at PAWS, Meg no longer needs these remarkable adaptations to hunt or defend a territory—but they remain a beautiful reminder of the incredible instincts and abilities every tiger is born with.

#PAWS #Tiger #Wildlife #TigerFacts #RescuedWildlife #BigCats #Conservation #MegTheTiger

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Have you ever been smiled at by a tiger?
PAWS tiger Rosemary sure knows how to brighten a day!
Who could resist that face?
#tiger #sanctuary #paws https://t.co/0kDQFNxRlc

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Today is National Black Bear Day! 📷📷
And who better to help us celebrate than Dally Bear! This beautiful girl is enjoying her special day the way bears do best—relaxing in her pool, exploring, and reminding us just how wonderful black bears are.
Read more about Dally here! https://t.co/dELwpY29GX
Happy National Black Bear Day, Dally! 📷📷
#NationalBlackBearDay #DallyBear #PAWS #BlackBear #SanctuaryLife #BearDayCelebration 📷

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

PAWS Says Goodbye to Toka – One of the Oldest African Elephants in North America.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that African elephant Toka has passed away after a very brief illness.
Read more here: https://t.co/rochDWQFX5

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

READY…SET…GO MEG!
While enjoying a swim in her pool, PAWS tiger Meg suddenly spotted her favorite keeper, Renae — and that was all it took! In an instant, Meg launched out of the water and came charging full speed across her habitat to say hello!
#tiger #tigerswim #sanctuary #paws https://t.co/FnAF9evvQj

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

WE DID IT!
Together, we surpassed our $80,000 Big Day of Giving goal!
Thank you to everyone who supported PAWS during the Big Day of Giving. Your compassion means so much – to us and to the elephants, big cats, bears, monkeys, emu, and other rescued and retired wild animals who call our sanctuary home.
https://t.co/xuAGpAO8fK
#BDOG2026 #wedidit #elephants #paws #sanctuary https://t.co/FnAF9evvQj

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Asian bull elephant Prince needs you! 📷📷
There’s still time to make a difference — Big Day of Giving continues until midnight tonight! Every donation helps provide expert care, nutritious food, enrichment, and a safe forever home for Prince and the other rescued animals at PAWS.
Donate here:
https://t.co/b4mWk9uoxC

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Big Day of Giving Is Here – Act Fast to Double Your Impact! https://t.co/M1P1rJ6Bdo

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

This is Brian Busta, Managing Director of PAWS — joined by Thika and Mara!
Big Day of Giving is here, and now is the perfect time to make your impact count. Your gift can be doubled through matching funds, helping provide lifelong care for the rescued animals at PAWS.
Go here to donate! https://t.co/b4mWk9uoxC
#BDOG2026 #paws #sanctuary #elphants

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

Big Day of Giving Is Here – Act Fast to Double Your Impact! https://t.co/M1P1rJ6Bdo

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

1 Day Left Until Big Day of Giving – 1 Regal Lion
African lion Pasha.
A powerful symbol of survival and second chances.
Tomorrow’s the day to give BIG.
Make a difference for the wild animals at PAWS.
https://t.co/b4mWk9uoxC
#BDOG2026 #sanctuary #paws #lions https://t.co/FnAF9evvQj

[PAWS @PAWSARK2000]

2 Days Remaining Until Big Day of Giving — 2 Bobcats Thriving at PAWS
Rumi and Archer now live with dignity, kindness, and compassionate care. At PAWS they are free to be the wild animals they are.
Your gift on May 7 helps support their new life.
https://t.co/b4mWk9uoxC
#BDOG2026 #bobcats #paws #sanctuary https://t.co/FnAF9evvQj