Performing Animal Welfare Society - PAWS

08/27/2026

Two dead kangaroos on a Wisconsin highway. This is what happens in a state with no statewide regulations governing exotic animals. On August 26, 4 kangaroos escaped from a trailer on an interstate highway. Two were struck by vehicles and killed. One was recaptured, and another remains missing. This is not an isolated incident. Every year, kangaroos and other exotic animals kept as pets escape in alarming numbers – and the animals pay the price. If you live in Wisconsin, contact your elected state officials and demand regulations that prohibit the private ownership of exotic animals, who have no place in backyards and private homes.

Two kangaroos were fatally struck by vehicles, one was recovered and one remains missing after the animals escaped Aug. 23 from a trailer on I-39.

08/21/2026

TAKE ACTION NOW!

For the first time in its history, the Price County Fair in Phillips, Wisconsin, is featuring an elephant show. Fifty-year-old elephants Kelly and Isla have been forced to travel from Oklahoma to perform under handlers associated with those from the notorious Carson and Barnes Circus.

Elephant shows are not “educational” – they are an inhumane relic of the past. Tell the Price County Fair Assn. that elephants are highly intelligent, self-aware animals who suffer when exploited for “entertainment."

Urge the fair assn. to never bring elephant shows back. The fair ends Aug. 22, but the message needs to be heard. Send yours today at

Contact Us - Price County Fair

08/13/2026

DENIED! This morning, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to deny a petition that would have allowed certain nonhuman primates to be kept as pets. PAWS spoke in strong opposition to the petition.

We thank the Commission for its vote and for upholding our state’s longstanding protections governing the possession of nonhuman primates.

And a big thank you to everyone who signed the Humane World for Animals petition opposing the proposal. More than 4,000 Californians stood up for the animals – and you made a difference!

Together, we can keep wild animals out of the pet trade and protected from the dangers of private ownership.

08/13/2026

https://www.calaverasenterprise.com/articles/news-temp/tickets-available-for-paws-conference-tour-of-san-andreas-wildlife-sanctuary/

The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is currently offering reduced-priced tickets to its upcoming international captive wildlife conference in Sacramento and an optional tour of its 2,300-acre San Andreas wildlife sanctuary, which is home to elephants, tigers, bears and other animals. Schedu...

08/12/2026

Stand with PAWS -This World Elephant Day!

On World Elephant Day, we celebrate these intelligent, social, and iconic animals. But for countless elephants around the world, their life is nothing to celebrate.

Elephants are still chained, beaten, confined to barren enclosures, forced to perform, and made to carry tourists. In the wild, they face poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

At PAWS, we believe elephants deserve better.

For more than 40 years, we have worked to end the exploitation of elephants through science-based advocacy, public policy, and education.

And at our ARK 2000 sanctuary, we give rescued and retired elephants the space, autonomy, and care they deserve.

Our five elephants – Prince, Mara, Thika, Nicholas, and Gypsy – were rescued or retired from zoos and circuses. Today, they roam expansive natural areas, forage freely, and choose how to spend their days.

Read more here! https://conta.cc/4bFmeCi

08/11/2026

https://kfbk.iheart.com/featured/the-afternoon-news-with-kitty-o-neal/content/2026-08-07-paws-sanctuary-in-san-andreas-spared-from-gann-fire/

Prior to the Gann Fire, CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit and the
Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) worked together proactively to reduce wildfire risk near the San Andreas sanctuary. In June, CAL FIRE completed a Vegetation Management Program (VMP) prescribed burn on approximately 124 acres adjacent to the property.
When the Gann Fire later moved through the area, the previously treated landscape supported firefighting efforts near PAWS, and the sanctuary was spared from the fire.
The coordinated effort demonstrates the value of partnerships, proactive vegetation management and year-round preparation. As recovery continues for those impacted by the Gann Fire, CAL FIRE remains committed to working with communities and partners to reduce wildfire risk.

https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRETCU/posts/prior-to-the-gann-fire-cal-fire-tuolumne-calaveras-unit-and-the-performing-anima/1066797609066612/

08/10/2026

Happy World Lion Day from Pasha and everyone at PAWS! 💚

Today, we invite you to celebrate one of the most majestic species to walk the earth. It's World Lion Day! Each year on August 10, lion lover's around the globe use this day to bring awareness to the declining population of lions.

Adopt Lion Pasha!

Support the animals at PAWS by adopting Pasha, who was seized by authorities from a roadside zoo following an investigation into animal neglect.
Your adoption helps provide nutritious food, expert care, and a spacious, enriching environment.
You can make a meaningful difference in Pasha's life!
https://pawsweb.org/animals/pasha/

08/10/2026

California Residents: Urgent! Sign Petition to Protect Ban on Pet Primates NOW!

On Thursday, August 13, the Calif. Fish and Game Commission will consider a request to allow certain primate species as pets, weakening the state's longstanding protections for primates. Primates are not pets! Sign the Humane World petition TODAY to protect animal welfare and public health and safety.

Add your name to urge the California Fish and Game Commission to reject the proposal before the deadline.

08/08/2026

https://www.kcra.com/article/animals-calaveras-county-sanctuary-paws-gann-fire/73381381?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot

The report currently mentions that there are two tigers. However, PAWS actually has nine tigers in its care.

The Gann Fire in Calaveras County came within five miles of the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary, but fire crews prevented the flames from reaching the facility, keeping its exotic animals safe.

08/07/2026

This is Ed Stewart with a brief update regarding the Gann fire near PAWS.

I have recorded a video to provide you with a current overview of the situation and to help answer some of the questions we’ve been receiving.

Please note that the air quality index (AQI) was 61 at the time we recorded the video. We will continue to monitor air quality and fire activity Update on Gann Fire Near PAWS

Thank you for your concern and support. We will share further updates as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Ed Stewart, staff, and all the animals at PAWS