Millions Worth of Poached Elephant Ivory Now on Display in Albany

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reached a significant milestone in their battle against illegal ivory trade. Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a new display has been created at the New York State Museum, displaying millions of dollars with of seized ivory.

Operation White Gold

From 2015 to 2018, the DEC's Division of Law Enforcement has worked undercover, cracking down on illegal ivory trade in New York City through "Operation White Gold". Since then, over 40 corporations and 75 associated individuals have been charged with felony-level crimes. Through intense searches, DEC Officers have seized jewelry, small statues and other ivory-made products that have contributed to the multi-billion-dollar industry.

Credit - New York State Museum via Facebook

DEC Commissioner Seggos is absolutely devastated by the widespread and endless poaching of elephants in the wild.

Imagine what 100 elephants looks like... what that looks like after the elephant poaching trade is in this room.

How much are we talking? 2 tons of ivory. All of that comes in at a street value of $12 million. The DEC destroyed most of the seized ivory during #IvoryCrush in 2017, a movement to rid of the poached material in New York City's Central Park.

Elephant Ivory Display

What's left, or more recently seized through "Operation White Gold", is now on display at the New York State Museum in Albany. The DEC hopes the display will serve as a "powerful reminder" of the devastating blow this illegal trade makes on African ecosystems.

Credit - New York State Museum via Facebook

18 Kid Friendly Day Trips to Fight Boredom This Summer in Central & Upstate New York

Now that school is out for the year it won't be long before the kids are bored. Here are 18 kid-friendly day trips to keep them entertained this summer.

Splash Into Summer at New LEGOLAND Water Park

Splash into Summer at the new water playground at LEGOLAND New York. Build and race a LEGO boat, splash on a water slide, and be doused by a giant water bucket when the playground opens this summer.

12 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- May 2023

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 5/01/2023:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Which NY Lottery Scratch-Off Games Have the Most Top Prizes Left?

There are plenty of NY Lottery scratch-off games that have big jackpots left. If you are feeling lucky this time of year, try your luck at one of the New York Lottery scratch-off games. According to the New York Lottery, these are the scratch-off games that still have jackpots to be won to make you become an instant millionaire.

Students Spend Summer Improving Adirondack Trails and Bridges

The work by these young adults is no small feat. They were able to make huge improvements to the Adirondack trails this year, making the Great Outdoors even more enjoyable. A big thank you goes to the Student Conservation Association!

Source: Millions Worth of Poached Elephant Ivory Now on Display in Albany

Filed Under: Albany, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Museum