Toss the Tusk: Phoenix Zoo set to host event crucial to saving the elephants

he public will be able to bring their unwanted ivory for proper disposal.

PUBLISHED AUG 28, 2024

Countries like China, the United States, and the United Kingdom have implemented domestic bans on ivory trade in recent years to combat the illegal market.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Phoenix Zoo has been selected alongside San Diego Zoo and Zoo Miamito host a Toss the Tusk event aimed at raising awareness and reducing the demand of illegal ivory products. Toss The Tusk is a series of events taking place at zoos across the United States to draw attention to the elephant poaching crisis and illegal elephant ivory trade.

Toss the Tusk is an intiative between the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the US Fish & Wildlife Service to organize a series of ivory surrender events that encourage public participation in the fight to save elephants from wildlife trafficking. Events will take place at zoos accredited by AZA where the public will be able to bring their unwanted ivory for proper disposal.

The event will be outside of the zoo on September 27 from 9am to 1pm.

The items will be collected and used for educating people on wildlife conservation, training law enforcement on identifying elephant ivory, and research into elephants and the ivory trade.

“This event is more than just an opportunity to surrender ivory, it’s a powerful statement against wildlife trafficking and a chance for our community to actively participate in the protection of elephants,” Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, said in a press release. “Together, we can make a real difference in the fight to save these magnificent animals from extinction.”

The event will be outside of the zoo on September 27 from 9am to 1pm. Along with surrendering ivory there will also be educational exhibits on wildlife conservation and information on how people can save endangered species. Attendants will not have to enter the zoo to participate.