Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation
Fundraise

$27,223 raised by 121 donors

1% complete

$2,000,000 Goal

Established in 1984, the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) operates the 2,300-acre ARK 2000 natural habitat sanctuary in Northern California where we care for elephants, big cats, bears, and other wild animals rescued or retired from circuses, zoos, roadside attractions, and the exotic “pet” trade. 

Many of the animals in our care suffered greatly before their rescue: 

  • Elephants forced to perform in circuses
  • Tigers found starving and malnourished 
  • “Pet” bears with serious injuries

Rescued bear Ben lives in the Bob Barker Bear Habitat at ARK 2000.At the ARK 2000 sanctuary, captive wild animals enjoy a private, safe haven where they roam expansive, natural habitats with plenty of native vegetation, shady oak trees, and refreshing lakes and pools. The animals can engage in behaviors that are natural to them and just be their wild selves.  

The welfare of the animals is our number one priority, with a team of dedicated caregivers and veterinarians looking after their well-being and a veterinary clinic for on-site healthcare. The animals are cared for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and treated with respect and love. 

Not only do we rescue captive wild animals, we work hard to end their exploitation through advocacy, protective legislation, and education.  

PAWS is a true sanctuary, meaning we do not buy, sell, breed, or trade animals or make them perform. To ensure the animals have the most natural, intrusion-free lives possible, PAWS’ ARK 2000 is not open to the public except for a limited number of educational events each year. 

Thank you for your interest and support!


Visit us at PAWSweb.org

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Rescued tigers Morris and Rosemary in their habitat at PAWS' 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary.



PAWS is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

PAWS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our federal ID #  is 94-3005157.

All gifts to PAWS are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of donated services.

PAWS is rated a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator and has received an "A" rating from Charity Watch.


Giving Activity

Mission

PAWS is dedicated to the protection of performing animals, to providing sanctuary to abused, abandoned, and retired captive wildlife, to enforcing the best standards of care for all captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitat, and to promoting public education about captive wildlife issues.

Needs

$1,500,000: Construction of an additional barn for female African elephants.

$650,000 each: Construction of two additional big cat habitats at the ARK 2000 sanctuary.

Estimated $500,000: Funds to build a specialized habitat at ARK 2000 for elderly bears. This habitat will be built in an area of the sanctuary where the terrain is flatter, allowing easier mobility. This project also opens up space for more rescued bears.

Equity Statement

The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias. We are committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work – with fair and equal treatment for all.

Campaigns supporting this organization

Fundraiser

PAWS #GivingTuesday 2023

$86,354 RAISED

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

other names

PAWS

Year Established

1984

Tax id (EIN)

94-3005157

Mission Category

Animal

Operating Budget

$1,000,001-$5 million

Organization Need

Funding: Other, In-Kind Donations, Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program

Demographics Served

Animals

Local Counties Served

Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

P. O. Box 849 (11435 Simmerhorn Rd.)
Galt, CA 95632

Service areas

Sacramento, CA, US

CA, US

US

Galt, CA, US

San Andreas, CA, US, 95249

Phone

209-745-2606

fax

209-745-1809

Email

info@pawsweb.org

Website

http://pawsweb.org/

Social Media