Experts from 10+ countries to participate in the world’s longest-running conference on the challenges wild animals face in captivity.
SAN ANDREAS, CA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will present its International Captive Wildlife Conference October 2-3 in Sacramento, California. Now in its third decade, the biennial conference is the world’s longest-running event dedicated to examining the challenges facing wild animals in captivity.
The 2026 conference will offer a dynamic lineup of speakers representing groundbreaking work for captive wild animals in more than 10 countries, including scientists, conservationists, authors, humane organization professionals, and other leading experts whose work is advancing the welfare and protection of captive wildlife.
“The PAWS International Captive Wildlife Conference is a forum for advancing knowledge, raising awareness, and driving meaningful progress for captive wild animals worldwide,” said PAWS Director of Science, Research and Public Policy Catherine Doyle. “We’re facilitating an important global conversation.”
Topics include the fast-growing exotic pet trade, public encounters with captive wildlife, international big cat rescues, and an in-depth look at elephants including their behavior, conservation, and controversial use in entertainment and tourism.
“The conference is open to advocates, professionals in the field, or anyone who is passionate about animals and wants to learn more,” said Doyle. “Attendees can expect compelling presentations, thoughtful discussion, and valuable opportunities to connect with others working to create positive change for captive wild animals.”
For more than 40 years, PAWS has provided lifelong sanctuary for captive wildlife in need, including elephants, big cats, bears, and monkeys rescued or retired from zoos, circuses, and the exotic pet trade.
Advocacy and education are central to PAWS’ mission. The organization launched its first conference in 1992 to bring together experts and advocates to examine critical issues affecting captive wild animals and explore solutions to protect these animals and ultimately end their exploitation.
In conjunction with the conference, PAWS is offering attendees a special trip to its 2,300-acre sanctuary in San Andreas, California, which is normally closed to the public. The sanctuary visit will provide a look at the spacious home and expert care PAWS provides for rescued and retired wild animals.
Conference details and registration information are available at https://pawsweb.org/2026-wildlife-conference/. Registration closes September 25 or when the conference sells out. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
For more information about PAWS, please visit www.pawsweb.org.
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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 animal trade. PAWS’ 2,300-acre sanctuary located in San Andreas, California, is home to elephants, bears, wild cats, monkeys, and other animals. PAWS is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and a founding member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance.
Catherine Doyle
Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
+1 323-301-5730
cdoyle@pawsweb.org
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