National Wildlife Property Repository

Conserving America's Future

 

The Donation Program at the National Wildlife Property Repository seeks to aid conservation education and scientific research through property donations and abandonments.

DONATE PROPERTY TO THE REPOSITORY

For General Public
The information in this section is designed for members of the public wishing to donate and abandon their wildlife property.

Leopard pelt and ivory statues. Credit: USFWS.

Leopard pelt and ivory statues. Credit: USFWS.

Wildlife Property
Similar to legally obtained ivory, members of the public may contact the Repository if they possess wildlife property items that are no longer wanted. (For example, family heirlooms, trophies, or artifacts that may have been legally obtained prior to bans)

Please note that the Repository may not be able to accept all wildlife property items. Please contact one of our Wildlife Repository Specialists for guidance on whether or not we can accept your item BEFORE shipping at nwpr@fws.gov or (303)-287-2110.

Donations should be accompanied by a letter addressed to the Repository containing the following information:

  • Description of the item(s) of legally obtained wildlife property being donated;
  • Name and address of the donor(s);
  • A statement certifying that the donor(s) is/are the sole legal owner(s) of the property being donated and that by submitting such property to the repository they relinquish all rights to such property, without condition, to the FWS

The cost of shipping items to the Repository, as well as insuring the value of the items during shipping, if any, is the sole responsibility of the donor. Such donations are not consummated and do not become property of the FWS until a signed acknowledgment is sent to the donor(s). Claiming any value for such donations for federal, State, or local tax purposes, or any other purpose is the sole responsibility of the donor. The FWS will not in any way value such donated items. By submitting such a donation, the donor agrees that upon acceptance such wildlife property items will become the sole property of the FWS, without recourse.

Boxed donation items ready to be sent out.

Boxed donation items ready to be sent out. Credit: USFWS.

Any wildlife property donations should be sent via USPS, UPS, Federal Express, or other appropriate method to the Repository at the following address:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Property Repository
6550 Gateway Road, Bldg. 128
Commerce City, Colorado 80022
Attention: Property Donations