PAWS

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But ARK2000 is PAWS’ ultimate home. Spanning 2,300 acres, ARK2000 is set on rolling foothills covered with trees. The Calaveras River and several creeks run through the property. PAWS purchased the property with the help of private donors for an undisclosed price.

ARK2000’s newest resident, Ruby, has had a rocky couple of years and became something of a symbol for animal activists. In 2003, she was sent from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Knoxville Zoo, leaving behind her longtime companion, Gita. Ruby then was transferred again when it became clear she wasn’t fitting in with Knoxville’s herd of female elephants, as had been the goal of the first transfer. Bob Barker, recently retired host of “The Price is Right,” kicked in $300,000 to help pay for Ruby’s move to ARK2000.

To keep the habitats as wild and natural as possible, public access is strictly controlled. A couple of events annually allow people to peek in on the animals and also help to raise money, Gardner says. Each October, the nonprofit holds a wine-tasting fundraiser, known as the Elephant Grape Stomp, during which Calaveras County wineries bring along extra grapes for the elephants to savor. This year’s event is set for Oct. 20.

PAWS receives grants from corporations, but its major source of support comes from individual donors. There are about 40,000 PAWS “partners” internationally, Gardner says. PAWS operated on a budget of $2 million last year.

PAWS operates with a skeletal staff that nevertheless ensures the animals receive the best of care. When asked to name her organization’s biggest challenge, Derby answers without hesitation — funding — and notes that PAWS must become more aggressive in seeking out financial contributions.

Meet the animals at PAWS and learn more about the nonprofit at pawsweb.org

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