On February 13, 2008, Maggie made her first foray into the large African Elephant habitat with her four companions 71, Mara, Lulu and Ruby. Maggie and the others were excited to finally socialize without a barrier, rumbling and trumpeting their greeting in true African elephant style.
PAWS' staff will continue this routine daily, gradually increasing the interval to build Maggie's confidence and physical stamina, until she is fully integrated.
Watch the highlights of Maggie's first outing in our latest PAWScast video update.
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About Pat Derby and PAWS
- PAWScaster
- Galt, California, United States
- Pat Derby’s advocacy for animals developed more than 35 years ago when she began working with captive wildlife in movies and television commercials. While working on television series such as Gunsmoke, Lassie, Daktari, and Flipper, she witnessed the neglect and abuse prevalent in animal training. Determined to initiate better standards of care and handling for performing animals, Pat chronicled her adventures in a Book-of-the-Month Club autobiography, The Lady and Her Tiger. The first exposé of the treatment of performing animals, The Lady and Her Tiger won an American Library Association Award in 1976. Since 1984, The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide appropriate, humane sanctuary for animals who have been the victims of the exotic and performing animal trades. PAWS investigates reports of abused performing and exotic animals, documents cruelty and assists in investigations and prosecutions by regulatory agencies to alleviate the suffering of captive wildlife.
Fantastic video. Incredible level of care and attention to detail taken by PAWS to insure optimal integration of these great beings.
ReplyDeleteEnough can't be said for all that you do on behalf of all the animals in your care.
Thank you
Thank you for your kind words, and for your ongoing support of Maggie's transition. We're privileged to care for her.
ReplyDeleteMany Thanks to Pat & Ed & PAWS Staff for these exceptional PAWScast Videos!! We are all so fortunate to be able to watch & learn the nuances of an elephant introduction to the herd (many of us for the first time!!)...
ReplyDeleteWatching Maggie as she left Alaska,our daily webcam visits with her, Pat's video updates, news and alerts, such a gift to all who are enchanted with these wonderful creatures and their lives at Ark2000, there aren't enough thanks...I feel lucky to have a computer so I can enjoy every minute!!!
What a wonderful message!
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of Pat, Ed and the staff and volunteers at PAWS, thank you for your words of inspiration and support.
We couldn't do our work without people like you.
Keep watching. The video updates are new for us. Like Maggie, we're just getting warmed up!
I don't know what makes me happier: watching the years of of experience of the PAWS staff at work or seeing Maggie remember how to be an elephant after being alone so long. To any one who believes elephants can be happy with only human 'owners' and no freedom of choice,PLEASE SEND THEM THIS VIDEO !
ReplyDeleteBRAVO MAGGIE!
Pat and Ed, thank you for the WONDERFUL job you are doing integrating Maggie with her new sisters, and thank you for the wonderful video. All of your and Maggie's fans are savoring every second of it.
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who have followed Maggie for the last few years, this is a truly joyous day. Thank you for giving this elephant, who has been through so much in her short life, a chance to live a life somewhat close to what nature intended. Those of us just watching can't begin to imagine all the work this takes, but we appreciate so much what you do...thank you a million times over.
ReplyDeleteI loved watching Ruby eat. It was funny how quickly she was feeding. She popped the food, one morsel at a time in her mouth and immediately went back for more.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat, Ed and staff.
You've accomplished the impossible by not only rescuing Maggie but Nic and Gypsy as well. The look on Nic's face when he first arrived was priceless.
Nic and Gypsy are doing beautifully.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned, because we're planning an upcoming episode devoted entirely to them.
The same day Maggie went out with her group, we broke ground on Nicholas' barn at ARK in San Andreas!
So many people worked for years to help these captive elephants, and continue to do so. Every one of them has a story, and it's pretty humbling to stand in the presence of their gratitude.
Thanks for writing.
It's so thrilling and heartwarming to watch Maggie, it's wonderful to see that indeed, Maggie craves being with her own kind.
ReplyDeleteI felt very privledged to be able to visit PAWS in 2006. I can't wait to be able to make it back there.
Ed and Pat were both very gracious, wonderful people.
I look forward to seeing more and more updates - tell Pat these video updates are marvellous.
Aw Maggie you make us proud!! It bring me such joy to see her "discovering" her new world and companions.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat and everyone there, for all that you do for these blessed creatures.
Roberta
Thank you Pat, Ed and Staff. Thank you for starting PAWS and for continuing to fight for the rights of animals. Thank you for being willing to try even when it looked hopeless. When I think of the pictures of Maggie's eyes, face and body stance a year ago to where she is now it is absolutely amazing. Maggie has what she has always needed and wanted. She has a family, she has choice and she has room to move. A year ago Maggie was ready to die, now she is ready to live. Good on You All!
ReplyDeletePAWScaster, what good news regarding Nic & Gypsy--looking forward to the upcoming episode!! I am wondering if the new barn will also house Gypsy? I saw the heightened fence addition at Galt made necessary because Nic is such a tall fellow---makes the new fence enclosure a huge project..Do you know the size of the new habitat for them at Ark2000?
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment, your news is welcomed by all PAWS aficionados..
Hi, listen2elephants--
ReplyDeleteI don't know the answers to your specific questions about the habitat, but I'll make sure we cover them in the Nic and Gypsy episode.
Thank you so much for supporting the elephants.
It was quite obvious that Maggie had spring in her step as she descended the hill from the barn.
ReplyDeleteThank you for everything you are doing for these animals.
After 3 years of taking Kindergarteners to the Alaska zoo and having them tell me how sad Maggie looked, it brings tears to my eyes to see how HAPPY she is today. My class this year made a big farewell sign for her and we watch her several times a week at PAWS. Thank you so much for your dedication and for allowing me and my class to continue to watch Maggie and cheer her on in her new world. We are so happy that she is with you and you are taking such good care of her! It shows in her eyes, her step, and her voice. We love you, Maggie!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Maggie! At long last a home & family of your own. We are so happy for you! I had the privilege of meeting the elephants (and all the others) this past Jan. It was a dream come true. I think of all of you there as my extended family! Thank you Pat, Ed, & staff for making a difference in this world.
ReplyDeleteSending love from Colorado! Way to go Maggie !!!
I've been out of town and was just now able to watch the new video of Maggie joining the group.
ReplyDeleteGosh what a good feeling to see big girl Maggie with her new friends!
She looks happier and happier every time I see her.
To think how far she has come just makes me so happy.
Thank you for your continued updates. They are much appreciated.
We love Maggie and thank you for all you do!!
My heart glows with joy watching Maggie join her new family. Maggie literally lived over the back fence from where my horse is boarded here in Anchorage. The Zoo was nextdoor to our boarding stable. Thank goodness she did not have to experience another winter in AK. I'm so grateful to Pat & Ed and the staff at PAWS for caring for her and giving her such a wonderful home with other elephants. And thank you so much for the web cam and the videos. I miss her!
ReplyDeleteBless You!