Historic Ivory Crush
On Nov. 14, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) destroyed its stockpile of seized ivory.
Strong Message
Destroying the ivory goods rather than selling them is meant to send a message that ivory is no longer a legitimate product to be traded or used in art. It's estimated that each year, poachers kill 30,000 elephants for their ivory tusks.
First Crush
The crush marked the first time the United States destroyed its government-held ivory stores. The event took place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, Colo., just outside of Denver.
Crusher
The crusher used to pulverize the 6-ton ivory stockpile.
Doomed Goods
Ivory carvings awaiting destruction on the morning of Nov. 14, 2013.
Ivory Jewelry
A huge container of ivory jewelry is hauled out to the crushing site.
25 Years' Worth of Ivory
The United States' government-held ivory stockpile was comprised of items that over the past 25 years had been seized during undercover investigations or confiscated at border crossings and other ports of entry.
