The trailblazing "Zoo Lady" worked alongside San Diego Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth, and her innovative ideas and dedication to wildlife care continue to inspire us today.

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2024) – Today San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hosted a “Toss the Tusk” event at the San Diego Zoo to raise awareness about the elephant poaching crisis and illegal elephant ivory trade. The event, organized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (AZA WTA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), encouraged the public to support long-term conservation efforts by surrendering unwanted elephant ivory items—including jewelry and art pieces—to ensure their availability does not drive demand. By removing elephant ivory products from the market, we can help keep these majestic animals alive for generations to come. This is the second year in a row that San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has hosted a Toss the Tusk event. In 2023, it was held at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

We can each make a big difference by gaining greater awareness and mindfulness of our choices in nature.