Moral Question, RE Elephant Ivory?

Question

I am in possession of two large uncarved African Elephant Tusks. They have been passed down to me by family.

These are FULLY Certificated, and were purchased LEGALLY in Zambia in 1970 from a craft shop.

At this time there was no stigma attached to Ivory purchase, and people were largely unaware of the issues.

I have no interest in selling these tusks to the types of people who perpetuate Elephant slaughter in Africa.

However, i would like to sell them, possibly to a museum, or even an auctioneer.

Basically, they are worth a large amount of money, and i am in need of money.

Any solutions?

Answer 1

god said the lambs will go to heaven.

Answer 2

i think your family passed them down as heirlooms, and they would be really happy if they help you out of a tight money situation. maybe one day you can pass something down to your children and carry on the tradition of passing something down?

Answer 3

I don't know where you are, but it isn't  illegal to sell post-1947 Elephant ivory ?????

Certainly, according to EU laws in conjunction with CITES(Convention International Trade in Endangered Spescies) the trade in Ivory is banned out right, this means that the sale, transport,import export etc is strictly prohibited, the only exception is to antique specimens.

For an Ivory to be classified as an antique specimen it must predate 1.6.1947.

Answer 4

It is apparently morally acceptable to buy/sell ivory if it is from the days before the trade became illegal. I currently work for an estate agents who have an auction house attached and ivory often comes up for auction. If it's OLD ivory you may still get a good price. Have a word with your local auction house. We do free valuation clinics every Monday morning, but I don't suppose you live in Lincolnshire!

Answer 5

Just because something is legal does not make it moral - we have two different words because they are two different issues.

I would consider it immoral to have killed the elephants regardless of when it became illegal. However, you did not personally kill the elephants hence it cannot be considered an unethical act for you to own these tusks.

However - the act of selling ivory MAY be seen as unethical as it encourages people to purchase ivory, stimulates demand for ivory products and opens opportunities for some people to blur the line between what is moral/legal ivory and what isn't.

I fully understand your desire, and your right, to sell your property but urge you to try and find ethical purchasers such as Zambian authorities, CITES-approved dealers or museums as you mention. Auctioneers are probably the worst as you will have no control over who the eventual purchaser would be.

Answer 6

Ask a Bank if that is acceptable as collateral.

Else you cannot sell them by legal means.

Answer 7

IF YOU STICK TO THEM THE WILL COME WHEN YOU'LL BE IN HOT WATER. THAT TIME WILL BE WHEN YOUR CERTIFICATES ARE EATEN BY TERMITES.GET RID OF IT BY DONATING IT TO A PUBLIC MUSEUM. GO AHEAD DUDE.

Answer 8

if you possess legal ivory there is no moral question here.  sell it to the highest bidder.