Missionary Souvenirs Containing Wildlife

[kidicky]

I am a wildlife inspector for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (a federal agency within the Department of the Interior) and a member of the Church. My profession primarily involves inspecting wildlife imports into the United States, facilitating legal imports and interdicting illegal imports. I have been told by colleagues that missionaries returning from Latin American and Africa will have souvenirs such as bird feathers and scripture covers made of one or more wildlife species. These species can be endangered, protected, or otherwise barred from entry into the United States. Endangered and protected species require a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) permit in order for the missionary to bring the item home with him or her. Without a permit, the item will be seized and it will be unable to be recovered. I have included some links that advise travelers on acquiring wildlife souvenirs that may be useful to missionaries serving abroad.

Paul Bridge
Memphis TN

https://www.fws.gov/international/travel-and-trade/
https://www.fws.gov/international/trave ... trade.html
https://www.fws.gov/international/how-you-can-help.html
https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/b ... velers.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/c ... ochure.pdf

[russellhltn]

You probably need to get in touch with the Missionary Department. This forum is primarily user-to-user.