The global trade in wildlife parts and products is hugely detrimental and many travelers unknowingly participate in this trade. Wildlife and wildlife products may be legal to sell in certain countries, but bringing these items home with you may be illegal or require special permits. If you suspect it is an animal product, even though you were told otherwise, play it safe and do not buy it!

The following is a guide to help you learn about what activities and products you should avoid. Follow the links to learn more.

Products

• Coral (jewelry, decor, shells)
• Feathers (from wild bird or mounted birds)
• Fur (tigers, spotted cats, seals, polar bears, sea otters, foxes)
• Ivory (elephant, narwhal and walrus tusks; raw and carved)
• Leathers and skins (caiman, crocodile, lizard, kangaroo, snake, shark)
• Live animals for sale as exotic pets (birds, primates, carnivores, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, saltwater fish)
• Medicines (bear gall bladders, tiger bones and penises, rhino horns, dried seahorses and shark cartilage)
• Shark teeth
• Tortoise/turtle shell (bracelets, sunglasses, hair clips and other trinkets)
• Wools made from wild animals (Shahtoosh from the Tibetan antelope)

Food

• Bushmeat
• Frog legs
• Sea turtle meat
• Shark fin soup
• Whale and dolphin meat

Tourist activities

• Camel rides
• Circuses
• Marine mammal shows & displays
• Dolphinariums
• Elephant rides
• Lion walks
• Photo opportunities with wildlife
• Roadside zoos
• Sea turtle farms
• Swim-with-the-dolphins
• Trophy hunting
• Tiger temples
• Volunteer with wildlife programs

To download a simplified and portable version of our Don’t Buy Wild Guide, click here. [PDF]