Performing Animal Welfare Society’s ARK 2000 is a well-known wildlife sanctuary located in northern California. However, to say that the organization is just a sanctuary would be underselling their valuable work. PAWS strives to educate, bring professionals together for continued research, and advocate against wildlife living in captivity. They’re quick to support national and international causes that are pushing for improved animal welfare and make their voice heard in cases of exploitation and abuse.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting ARK 2000 for the first time, and here are some things I think you should know.

What Kinds of Animals Does PAWS Have?

The Performing Animal Welfare Society’s California sanctuary is home to many species, including tigers, elephants, bears, and even a lion. The animals that are rescued through PAWS stay at ARK 2000; they aren’t used for captive breeding and never get sent to other facilities. All the animals that come into the sanctuary find their home with a group of caregivers and an incredible veterinary staff that take care of their needs as they age.

Where Does PAWS Rescue Their Animals From?

PAWS rescues their animals from a variety of exploitative or under-equipped locations. This can include circuses, zoos, or private ownership. Alternatively, they’re equipped to take in any local wildlife that’s injured and unable to live in the wild anymore. Most commonly, this is the case with bears.

The focus of rescuing these animals is to give them the highest standard of living possible in a captive environment. It’s important to acknowledge that although PAWS does keep animals in their sanctuary, they strongly oppose wildlife being confined to captivity.

Unfortunately, due to the continued growth of captive wildlife around the United States, these animals still need safe homes to experience autonomy. This is what the sanctuary strives to give their rescued wildlife while acknowledging that no version of captivity can ever measure up to life in the wild.

What Do the Animals at PAWS Do?

The animals at PAWS can do whatever they want; isn’t that the point of a sanctuary? I mean, sure, they can’t do everything because they are still in captivity; however, the animals choose when they want to sleep, eat, socialize, etc. They get to operate on their own instincts and natural behaviors.

Since the sanctuary is not usually open to the public, all of their rescued wildlife have freedom from all the external stimuli and potential stress that visitors bring. This is ideal for healing any trauma the animals may have from prior poor management. All animals are observed regularly by their caregivers and director of research, Catherine Doyle, to ensure they are psychologically and physically thriving.

With both a veterinary clinic and field equipment for veterinary procedures, their veterinarian, Jackie Gai, can take care of any physical ailments that the animals develop. These are just a few of the vital roles that make it possible for all sanctuary animals to regain their autonomy and live comfortable lives.

Can I Visit PAWS Sanctuary?

When we’re not experiencing a pandemic, PAWS opens its gate a few times yearly so that animal lovers can come to tour the facility. These open houses give anyone a chance to experience the quiet oasis and see some of their impressive rescue animals! If you’re interested in following along with their open house and “seeing the elephant’s” schedule, be sure to check out their website.

How Can I Support PAWS?

You can support the incredible work being done by PAWS in a variety of ways. If you want to donate a specific item, you can take a look at their wishlist. This allows you to purchase things like a book for their library so the staff can continue growing their knowledge. Or you can donate specific food items for your favorite species, equipment, and tools for sanctuary staff, send a gift card from their store list, and more. This is a great way to put your own personal touch on a donation.

If you’re interested in supporting the sanctuary and want to stay up to date on what’s happening within the organization, you can join their PAWS partner program! This gives you the chance to receive tickets to their open houses, receive their newsletter, and more. You can check those out at this link.

Organizations like PAWS cannot keep their doors open without the continued support of wildlife lovers like you. If you’re passionate about wildlife and love the work they’re doing, consider donating or booking a visit at their next open house.