Toss the Tusk

Do you own an item made from exotic animals? Maybe you inherited it from a family member, or you got it as a souvenir on a trip years ago. You have it but don't know what to do with it and want to get rid of it? Join us in Taking Action against the illegal wildlife trade by bringing old wildlife souvenirs to Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo works with wardens from California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to receive these unwanted items that might be illegal to sell.

What are we accepting & why?

We accept any wildlife-based items containing tusks, horns, bones, furs, turtle shells, reptilian skins, exotic feathers, and coral. These animal products can appear as jewelry, souvenirs, hair accessories, fashion accessories (purses, belts, clothing), carvings, instruments, and more. We ask that you hold onto any items that are larger than a loaf of bread until we have another event at the zoo, where we can receive these larger items.

Relinquished items are used by State and Government agencies for training wildlife enforcement and K9 units, DNA sequencing and geolocating, and their reference database; preventing future wildlife crimes.

Email conservation@oaklandzoo.org if you have questions about relinquishing an item.

“Because the demand for ivory products is driving elephants toward extinction, consumers hold the key to ending the scourge of wildlife trafficking. By putting our actions in line with our values, we can work together to protect elephants and other treasured species for the benefit of our planet, our security, and future generations.”  -Dan Ashe, President, and CEO of, Association of Zoos & Aquariums.