Ethics Statement & FAQs

Ethical Sourcing Statement

Black Moth is anything but your average retail store, built on the foundation of educating and learning about the natural world and its history. We strive to offer Tulsa the opportunity to observe, buy, and collect all kinds of natural specimens. This includes (but is not limited to) fossils, cultural artifacts, insects, animal and human remains. When buying and selling such products, Black Moth is committed to upholding ethical sourcing policies since its creation in 2014.

How do we implement ethical sourcing policies?
We strive to be consistent with researching endangered species, and state laws as well as buying vintage, stillborn, passed naturally, or otherwise recycled animal products and specimens. We also utilize and support the practice of no waste, selling pelts, horns, and other byproducts of food farming, population control, and animal conservation.

We carry both animal and human specimens and uphold equal respect and appreciation for everything that passes through our store. All of our human bones are retired medical and educational specimens, purchased and sold legally. These human specimens have donated their bodies to science and are more often anonymous, meaning we can only guess a specimen's history from their bones or if documentation is included.

We recognize that we have a unique collection subject to differing perspectives. Our goal at Black Moth is to educate and share our love and appreciation for the natural world with anyone that wants to learn.

F&Q’s

Where do you find all of this stuff?

We work with zoos, aquariums, vet offices, and other places where things naturally pass away. Some pieces are byproducts of the food industry so the whole animal doesn't go to waste. Others are invasive species that destroy native wildlife and have to be euthanized.

Is it legal?

Everything we sell is both ethically and legally obtained. Paperwork for each animal is kept on file and reviewed by the Oklahoma Wildlife Department.

Can I give you something I found/have?

Yes! We are always accepting found objects, given they are legal to possess. For example, we cannot take most birds as they are protected under the Migratory Bird Act. We also CANNOT take any bats. Do your research on what you've found! Here are some helpful resources:

Oklahoma Wildlife Department: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/

IUCN Threatened Species List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/

Do you offer wholesale?

Unfortunately, due to the time consuming nature of creating our products, we are unable to offer wholesale at this time.

How do I care for my wet specimen?

All wet specimens we sell are already preserved with formalin and then submerged in 70% isopropal alcohol. Caring for your wet specimen is simple, keep it out of direct sunlight and replenish your jar with 70% ispropal if any evaporates or if you notice the water yellowing. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

I found this specimen, how can I preserve it?

A common way to preserve a freshly deceased specimen is mummification. This is done by completely submerging the specimen in borax and salt. The borax will dry out your specimen, sucking out moisture and fat, which mummifies your specimen!