Oakland, CA – September 13, 2021… The Oakland Zoo launches in 2021 with the ‘Take Action Against Illegal Wildlife Trade’, a multi-platform campaign, to advocate for the end of this widespread and catastrophic industry. This campaign is at the heart of the mission of the Conservation Society of California. In addition to these initiatives, the Zoo is hosting an ‘End Trade’ Day this Saturday, September 18th, inviting guests to hand over any wildlife-based souvenirs they have either while traveling abroad or through family generations, and learn about how best to join the Zoo. in Taking Action for Wildlife and for #endthetrade.
Combating the wildlife trade not only protects animals and their species – many of which are on the verge of extinction – but also protects humans from zoonotic diseases* around the world.
“Inspiring future generations to become conservation ambassadors is a critical component of ending the future illegal wildlife trade. We are proud at Oakland Zoo to be an educational resource for wildlife conservation to the public”, said Nik Dehejia, CEO at Oakland Zoo.
At the ‘End The Trade Day’ event, the Zoo will receive wildlife-based goods containing tusks, horns, bones, feathers, turtle shells, reptile skins, exotic furs and corals from guests. These animal products can be in the form of jewelry, souvenirs, hair accessories, fashion accessories (wallets, belts, clothing), carvings, instruments, and others.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife – which participates in the Zoo event – will use animal products collected at the event to train wildlife enforcement and K9 units, DNA sequencing and geolocation, and reference databases, to prevent future wildlife crime.
“The people who choose to release these items are Taking Action for Wildlife head-on. Their efforts offer hope that our society is moving toward a humane and sustainable future”, said Amy Gotliffe, Vice President of Conservation at Oakland Zoo.
In addition to releasing wildlife trade items, guests can enjoy activities throughout the Zoo during the ‘End the Trading Day’ event. Children are given the opportunity to become honorary ‘Wildlife Investigators’ as they complete their #endthetrade investigation.
As the Zoo enters its centenary, the Zoo will continue to find impactful ways to make a difference in the lives of the animals who call Zoos home and wildlife globally.
“Oakland Zoo, an AZA accredited facility, is a leader in conservation underscored by their commitment to combating the wildlife trade. I applaud their efforts to raise awareness of this important issue and provide their community members with actionable ways to protect elephants and other endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade”, said Dan Ashe, President and CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
For more information on Oakland Zoo’s ‘Take Action Against Wildlife Trafficking’ campaign, please visit: oaklandzoo.org/endthetrade
*A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans or, more specifically, a disease that is common in animals but can infect humans.
End of Trading Day – Event ‘Drop-off’ Details:
Two ways to unload your goods:
10:00 to 15:00 at the Wildlife Trade Show at the Zoo (Zoo admission ticket required)
Drop-off item at the Wildlife Show in the African Savanna. Talk to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens and other conservation organizations about the work they do.
Take the kids for on-site activities and the chance to become an honorary Junior Wildlife Conservation Investigator as you “investigate” at activity tables throughout the zoo. Visit Rainforest for #EndTheTrade solutions as we stop demand for this product.
2:00pm to 7:00pm at Snow Building on Zoo grounds (Drive-up & Drop-off Only, No Zoo admission required)
Simply drop-off items at the Snow Building. Drive & drop-off or stay around to talk to the CDFW warden and learn more about CSI (Conservation Science Investigations).
Submitting items is anonymous, no forms, no questions asked.
Post based on a press release to ZENNIE62MEDIA, Inc., from The Oakland Zoo.
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