Big Day of Giving 2026

Ready. Set. Give!

PAWS’ mission is to end the suffering of captive wild animals. Our approach is simple yet effective: 

• Rescue wild animals in need from circuses, roadside zoos, and the exotic “pet” trade.
• Provide safe refuge, high quality care, and sprawling natural habitats in which the animals can be their wild selves.
• Fight to end the exploitation of captive wildlife through advocacy, education, and protective legislation.

This three-prong approach is what makes PAWS unlike most any other organization. We not only rescue and care for captive wild animals at our 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary, we work to stop the problem at its source so innocent animals never have to suffer again.

Your kind support makes it all happen.

Cleo

Donations matched to $42,690

Make a Big Difference in

 24 Little Hours

Casey

Our Big Day of Giving 2026 goal is to raise $80,000 or more in 24 hours for the animals we care for at ARK 2000 – where elephants roam expansive natural habitats, big and small exotic cats prowl through tall grass, and bears collect acorns fallen from broad oak trees. Many of our animals once suffered terrible abuse and neglect. Today, all are safe, cared for, and loved by PAWS’ expert veterinarians and caregivers. 

We need your help today because providing lifetime sanctuary for captive wild animals in need is expensive, and the costs keeps rising.

It takes approximately: 

• $225 a day to care for just one of PAWS' six elephants. (That's around $80,000 a year per elephant!)
• $55 a day (or $20,000/year) to provide a more natural life for just one of our tigers. 
• $50 a day (or $18,000/year) to keep just one of our bears healthy and content.
• $15-$30 a day ($5,000-$10,000/year) to take care of just one of our smaller sanctuary residents, like a mountain lion, Capuchin monkey, bobcat, or emu.

Ben

That's more than $800,000 a year to care for the animals at PAWS. Costs can rise considerably for elderly and special needs animals who require specialized diets, medications, and veterinary care. 

We're asking for your help on this Big Day of Giving to give PAWS animals, including those who require extra-special care, the best life possible. After all they’ve been through, it’s the least we can do.

Together, We Can Change Captive Wild Animals' Lives!

PAWS receives no government funding. We rely solely on private donations to support our life-saving work. Every donation – no matter how large or small – makes a BIG difference.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity!