Nature Exchange

At the Tulsa Zoo's Nature Exchange, students of all ages are encouraged to bring their natural treasures. While at the Nature Exchange, staff and volunteers will award points based on the items you bring and the knowledge you have about them. Your points then become currency that you can use to trade for other natural items found in the well-stocked swap shop. Please note: Tulsa Zoo, city and national park treasures are NOT allowed for trade! These items are protected items by law

You can trade immediately or bank your points as you save to trade for a really rare treasure. Use your own resources, school, library or internet to learn even more about your item. You’re also welcome to use the resources at Nature Exchange. We look forward to meeting you during your next visit to the Tulsa Zoo!

Nature Exchange Hours:

Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm

Some ideas for items you can trade are:

• Insects
• Shells
• Fossils
• Rocks
• Botanical specimens
• Skulls and skeletons – properly cleaned and preserved!

The sky is the limit!

Below are a few trading guidelines to keep in mind before your next visit:
Be certain not to bring any items that are very rare or protected by law. These items are needed most right where they are in nature!

Please leave all bird related artifacts where they are. No feathers, nests, eggs, or bird bones can be accepted at the Nature Exchange. Consider taking a photograph, or even better, writing in a nature journal about the bird artifacts you encounter. We would love to see your journal, and you can earn points that way while leaving the birds, their homes, and their remains where you found them. All bird homes and bird artifacts are protected by law.

• The Nature Exchange cannot trade cultural artifacts. Please leave any cultural artifacts such as arrowheads or pottery fragments right where you found them.
  
• Botanical objects should be collected sparingly. If you find a plant you would like to share with us, bring just a single leaf or a leaf and a fruit or flower. Never uproot an entire plant! Bonus points can be earned by pressing your plant properly before bringing it to the Exchange.

Find out more! Plan a visit and experience the Nature Exchange!

Nature Exchange exploration programs are also fun ways to learn more about nature! View program information on our upcoming Spring Break Camps.

For more information, call (918) 669-6642 or natureexchange@tulsazoo.org
Thanks to Nature Exchange sponsors for Keeping the Wonder alive at the Tulsa Zoo