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
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. 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.
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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.
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.
Ed Stewart and Lily
Tomlin (right) listen as
Los Angeles
Councilmember Paul Koretz addresses the City Council
during his
adjournment tribute honoring Pat Derby.
In Los Angeles
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
L-R: PAWS President Ed Stewart, Kat Kramer,
Ways you can help:
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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:
January 2013: Sheldrick's Elephant Miracle Rescue
December 2012: Elephants in Solitary Confinement
November: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
November 2012: Ban Elephants from Traveling Circuses
September 2012: In the News: Topeka, Kansas, Zoo Elephants
August2012: Elephant Mother and Baby rescue
July 2012: In the News: LA Zoo Elephants
June 2012: Elephants longterm survival?
May 2012: Fundraiser Event
April 2012: Speak out for Elephants
March 2012: PAWS Ark 2000
March 2012: New elephant for PAWS
March 2012: The Elephant Whipserer
January 2012: Loss of Sabu
