Seized Captive Mountain Lion and Bear Find Safe Haven at PAWS Sanctuary

SAN ANDREAS, Calif., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) welcomed two new residents to its San Andreas, California, sanctuary on Monday: an 11-year-old female black bear and a 13-year-old female mountain lion. The animals were seized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as a result of a criminal investigation involving animal welfare related violations of the California Fish and Game Code. A third animal is set to arrive later.

"For more than 40 years, PAWS has provided safe refuge for captive wild animals in need," said PAWS Co-founder and Board President Ed Stewart. "These animals will have a lifelong home at our sanctuary."

PAWS Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jackie Gai added, "We welcome these animals to our sanctuary, and look forward to learning about their unique personalities and providing them with individualized care tailored to their needs."

The two animals were among several removed from the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in Butte County. The facility previously held a CDFW Restricted Species Permit that allowed it to keep both native and exotic wildlife. When that permit expired at the end of 2024, their renewal application was denied due to animal welfare violations.

"We commend the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for taking decisive action to ensure the welfare of captive wild animals in our state," said Catherine Doyle, PAWS director of science, research and public policy. "Places like this should be a thing of the past."

This is not the first time PAWS has provided sanctuary for an animal removed from this same facility. Last year, PAWS welcomed Cleo, a tiger cub confiscated by the CDFW. Cleo suffered from multiple bone deformities and fractures as a result of severe metabolic bone disease, caused by inadequate nutrition. The disease has left Cleo with permanent damage to her neck and legs, but thanks to expert care and a proper diet she is now active and playful.

A third animal from the CDFW's enforcement action, a five-year-old male bobcat, will arrive at PAWS later, after construction of a new enclosure is completed. The animal is currently being well cared for at another facility.

Photos of the animals are available on request.

About the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Founded in 1984, the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) provides lifetime care for captive wild animals rescued or retired from circuses, zoos, and the exotic "pet" trade. PAWS' 2,300-acre sanctuary located in San Andreas, California, is home to elephants, bears, big cats, monkeys, and other wild animals. PAWS is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Contact: Kim Gardner, 916-539-5305, [email protected]

For more information on PAWS, visit www.PAWSweb.org.

SOURCE Performing Animal Welfare Society