L to R: Gena Vazquez, evidence custodian for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Ken Bennett, interim advancement director at New Hope Christian Academy; NHCA alumna Maegan Edwards ‘24, returned to assist with the fossils; and Eric Stenberg, the school's STEM and sixth-grade science teacher, are shown with the donated fossils.

Memphis, Tenn. — Megalodon teeth, a sea turtle shell, and other ancient species have a new home at New Hope Christian Academy (NHCA).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) donated fossilized parts to NHCA as a learning tool for students at the private school. Their mission is to conserve and protect wildlife, plants, and their habitats. As part of this mission, USFWS is charged with enforcing federal wildlife laws and protecting endangered species.

Some of the collected items, including Megalodon teeth and sea turtle shells, come from extinct or endangered species protected by law. The USFWS is responsible for ensuring these items are properly handled and distributed to museums, nonprofits, or educational institutions rather than being made available to the general public.

“These items are rare. You don't see them very often, and I think it's important for kids to be exposed to these things where they can touch them, they can handle them, they can look at them, and they can do more hands-on learning rather than in a book,” said Gena Vazquez, evidence custodian for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Among the donated items were pipe coral, sperm whale teeth, and a camel jaw. “The coral is regulated on different levels. Some of it is protected or endangered,” Vazquez said. “With global warming, our coral reefs are in danger, so those are closely monitored, and we want to look at how much is coming in just to make sure things are being done the way that they should be done.”

According to Title 50, Section 12.67 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to donate forfeited or abandoned fish, wildlife, or plants for scientific, educational, or public display purposes, when consistent with applicable law. The donation may be made to any person, government agency (including foreign government agencies), or public organization, as defined¹ in §10.12 of this subchapter. The donee must have the demonstrated ability to provide adequate care and security for the fish, wildlife, or plants. While these fossilized items were abandoned and not considered seized property, the USFWS determined that NHCA would be a valuable recipient for educational purposes.

The fossils were discovered during an inspection of a package abandoned by the importer at a shipping facility. After confirming jurisdiction over the coral, Vazquez obtained permission from the facility to donate the fossils to NHCA. “Donation to a non-profit or an educational facility is an approved way to do this. It is our office preference to donate,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez expressed her admiration for NHCA’s work in the Frayser area and surrounding communities and preferred to donate the items for educational use rather than have them stored locally or in the property repository in Colorado.

The items will be incorporated into the experiential learning curriculum at New Hope Christian Academy for students ages 3 through sixth-grade. This addition will enhance the science and social studies programs by providing in-person examples of the fossils, allowing students to observe the items directly rather than only seeing them online or in textbooks.

Vazquez added that learning about these items and appreciating the once-living animals could inspire the next generation of paleontologists, coral biologists, or marine biologists.

To learn more about U.S. Fish and Wildlife, visit their website.

New Hope Christian Academy is an urban, college-preparatory elementary school providing students with a challenging, intellectual, and Christ-centered education. Learn more about New Hope Christian Academy here.