Pat Derby, the co-founder of PAWS passed away in March 2013.
So revered was PAWS co-founder Pat Derby, her passing has
been commemorated internationally at the highest levels of government.
PAWS is
proud to share these special tributes with you.
Pat Derby
United States Congress
One of the greatest
recognitions of Pat's contributions to the cause of animal protection was a
flag flown in her honor over the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2013. The actual flag (pictured
above) was given to Pat's life partner and PAWS co-founder Ed Stewart.
Flags are flown over the Capitol to observe the remarkable works of individuals
and groups, as well as to mark special events and national holidays. We would
like to thank United Activists for Animal Rights' President Nancy Burnet, a
great friend to PAWS, and Congressman C.W. Bill Young and his wife, Beverly,
for arranging this very special honor.
On March 13, 2013, U.S. Representative Sam Farr introduced
into the Congressional Record (below, right) a statement in honor of Pat,
in which he lauded her "lifetime commitment to protecting the welfare of
performing animals." Congressman Farr is a long-time champion for animals
with whom PAWS has worked to introduce important legislation to protect captive
wild animals.
In his statement,
Representative Farr stated: "She was a true hero in the animal rights
world whose sole crusade was aimed at helping animals that could not protect or
advocate for themselves. Pat realized that even wild animals need someone to
look out for them, and she dedicated her life to that belief." PAWS thanks
Rep. Farr for this meaningful accolade, and PAWS friend Barbara Baldock for helping
to facilitate this honor.
California Assembly
On April 10, 2013 in
Sacramento, California State Assemblyman Ken Cooley adjourned the meeting of
the Assembly in Pat's honor, memorializing her extraordinary achievements and
recognizing her service to the State for her involvement in the California
Department of Fish and Game's Committee for the Humane Care of Captive
Wildlife. (View video below) PAWS thanks Assemblyman Cooley for this
distinguished remembrance, and long-time PAWS supporter Linda Gibboney and her
colleague, Larry Murman, for arranging it.
CALIFORNIA
STATE ASSEMBLY HONORS PAT DERBY
Ed Stewart and Lily
Tomlin (right) listen as
Los Angeles
Councilmember Paul Koretz addresses the City Council
during his
adjournment tribute honoring Pat Derby.
City of Los
Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, Councilmember Paul
Koretz adjourned the April 17 meeting of the L.A. City Council with a tribute
to Pat in which he praised her for dedicating her life to protecting captive
wild animals. (View video below) Cm. Koretz gave special thanks to Pat and to
PAWS for giving refuge to former Los Angeles Zoo elephant Ruby, who lived out
her final years in peace at ARK 2000. Actress and producer Lily Tomlin followed
Councilmember Koretz. She movingly spoke of Pat, stating, "She was a hero
of mine. She set the standard for the care of elephants in captivity in a way
that no one else ever attempted." Ms. Tomlin recalled Pat telling her
about the ARK 2000 sanctuary, saying, "If there's a paradise, this is
paradise for the elephants."
PAWS co-founder Ed
Stewart was the final speaker, telling the Council, "We are celebrating a
warrior, because Pat was the warrior for elephants in this country,
and also for lions, tigers and all the rest of the animals who have to live in
a captive situation." He referred to advances made in recent years for
exotic and performing animals, and explained that some "very enlightened
decisions have come out of bodies just like this... I know that Pat is
somewhere watching and waiting for our next enlightened decision." PAWS
thanks Councilmember Paul Koretz for this meaningful recognition, and Melya
Kaplan, Director of Voice for the Animals, for requesting it.
After the meeting, Councilmember Tom LaBonge
invited Ed Stewart, PAWS' friends Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe Kramer, and PAWS'
director of Science, Research and Advocacy, Catherine Doyle, to join him on the
uppermost floor of City Hall for a magnificent view of the city. There, he rang
the Los Angeles City
Hall bell in memory of Pat.
(View video below) PAWS thanks Cm. LaBonge for his kindness and this
heartfelt homage to Pat.
L-R: PAWS President Ed Stewart, Kat Kramer,
Los
Angeles City
Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Karen Sharpe Kramer.
Ways you can help:
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Adopt A PAWS Animal
If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is
to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption
as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic
adoptions only. No animal will be sent!
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PAWS Partnerships
Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by
becoming a PAWS Partner.
PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations
and the day-to-day care of the animals.
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Estates/Planned Giving
You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter
will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home!
Donate To PAWS
Three ways to give and every donation matters.
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On my visits to PAWS, I was fortunate to meet Pat Derby and Ed Stewart and am so impressed about their tireless work for the elephants and for all captive performing animals. Pat was a remarkable woman. I hope her legacy will continue.
In quiet reflection,
Meggi
Please see previous stories on PAWS and elephants in the News on my Travel TidBits blog:
