safari club international museum tucson az

International Wildlife Museum closes after 35 years on Tucson's Westside

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — After announcing the International Wildlife Museum's closure, KGUN 9's social media post and email was flooded with comments and questions.

Viewers shared their experiences, as well as wondered what would happen with active memberships and gifted tickets on Christmas/during the holidays.

KGUN 9 reached out to the museum, who released the following statement:

On December 31, 2023, the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, AZ closed. All scheduled events after this date have been canceled. The International Wildlife Museum was owned and operated by Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF). SCIF is moving business operations to Texas. All staff involved in the operations of the museum have been given opportunities to continue their great work with SCIF on behalf of wildlife conservation. Efforts are underway to return the taxidermy and other exhibit materials on loan from other organizations. We will also be securing new locations for the remaining museum's taxidermy, animals, and exhibits, which will continue to educate the public about the importance and appreciation of the world's diverse wildlife and the role of wildlife management in conservation. Current museum members will be contacted regarding pro-rated membership refunds. If you paid for your membership in person and would like to receive a pro-rated membership refund, or if there are any questions regarding memberships or taxidermy loans, please contact 210-985-4868. We extend our sincere appreciation to the public and the museum’s members, volunteers, workers, and donors who have generously supported the museum over the years, and for your ongoing commitment to the Safari Club International Foundation.

International Wildlife Museum staff is currently issuing prorated refunds of active memberships. They do not have gift cards.

If anyone has proof of purchase for gifted tickets, please contact Museum Manager Amy Soneira at [email protected] to get refunded.

The International Wildlife Museum is closing its doors after 35 years on the Westside of Tucson.

As a non-profit natural history museum, some of the inventory was loaned. These items are getting returned to their owners.

In partnership with the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), the International Wildlife Museum has released this statement on its website :

Safari Club International Foundation wishes to inform you that the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, AZ, closed its doors on December 31, 2023. All scheduled events after this date are canceled. Efforts are being made to return the taxidermy on loan from other organizations. The remaining museum’s taxidermy, animals, and exhibits will be relocated to new locations to continue educating the public on wildlife appreciation and the role of wildlife management in conservation. The Safari Club International Foundation expresses gratitude to the public, museum’s members, volunteers, workers, and donors who have generously supported the museum over the years, and for your ongoing commitment to the Safari Club International Foundation.

According to the SCIF's website, it lists the closure as " temporary ."

——- Caleb Fernández is a digital content producer for KGUN 9 . After earning his bachelor's degree from Penn State in Advertising/Public Relations, Caleb went to New York where he learned production assistance, photography and art direction. Share your story ideas and important issues with Caleb by emailing [email protected] or by connecting on LinkedIn , Instagram , and Twitter .

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Safari Club International Foundation wishes to inform you that the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, AZ, closed its doors on December 31, 2023. All scheduled events after this date are canceled. Efforts are being made to return the taxidermy on loan from other organizations. The remaining museum’s taxidermy, animals, and exhibits will be relocated to new locations to continue educating the public on wildlife appreciation and the role of wildlife management in conservation. The Safari Club International Foundation expresses gratitude to the public, museum’s members, volunteers, workers, and donors who have generously supported the museum over the years, and for your ongoing commitment to the Safari Club International Foundation.

International Wildlife Museum in Tucson closes its doors for good

Safari club international foundation moving operations to texas; all museum members will be contacted regarding refunds.

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - The International Wildlife Museum has closed after more than three decades in Tucson.

The museum closed its doors without warning on Dec. 31, 2023, and all events were canceled.

The Safari Club International Foundation said all loaned taxidermy will be returned and all of the “remaining taxidermy, animals, and exhibits will be relocated to new locations.”

The foundation said it is moving all of its operations to Texas but did not say what is going to happen to the iconic building located at 4800 West Gates Pass Road.

The SCIF said, “all staff involved in the operations of the museum have been given opportunities to continue their great work with SCIF on behalf of wildlife conservation.”

The museum has served as a gateway for families to learn about animals all over the world. Owned by the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), the museum also served as the foundation’s headquarters.

A statement from the foundation’s CEO, W. Laird Hamberlin, reads, “SCIF is moving business operations to Texas. All staff involved in the operations of the museum have been given opportunities to continue their great work with SCIF on behalf of wildlife conservation.”

One former employee, Elaine Cummings, worked on the museum’s bi-monthly publication, “Safari Magazine,” during the 1990s.

An animal lover herself, the job was a perfect fit.

“I could speak a language a lot of people couldn’t,” Cummings said. “I had to learn a lot too about the animals because the organization is international.”

However, Cummings almost didn’t take the position of assistant to the editor at all.

“When I found out about the organization, I almost didn’t take the job,” she said.

SCIF has been a leader in defending hunting rights across its 146 chapters worldwide.

Cummings, though, sparked the idea of creating a conservation section in “Safari Magazine.”

Since then, she has been able to share the work of multiple chapters’ struggles and accomplishments in educating and advocating for wildlife conservation.

“They’ve done a lot of good conservation work. Especially on things like the ibex and the scimitar-horned oryx, and others,” she said.

“There’s a lot of strange animals that were hunted specifically because they were trophies.”

Through her work on the publication, Cummings has seen just how important conservation is in continents like Africa and Asia, where many don’t know of the poaching situation. She says the loss of the museum, is a loss to conservation education in Southern Arizona.

“That’s an educational experience,” she said.

“Children, all they see is the animals and they want to know what’s going on – where this animal came from, how come it’s not here anymore, or why doesn’t it live out here in the Catalinas. There’s a lot of educational value.”

Despite the closure, the museum has given Elaine a community that still stands by her today – both near and far.

“I had friends all over the world, and authors who submitted stories – it was an incredible experience.”

The museum had more than 400 global species of mammals and birds.

“The Safari Club International Foundation expresses gratitude to the public, museum’s members, volunteers, workers, and donors who have generously supported the museum over the years,” the group said on the museum’s website.

The SCIF said all museum members will be contacted regarding refunds. Anyone with questions can call 210-985-4868.

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Monday, April 6, 2015

What's Behind Tucson's International Wildlife Museum?

Posted By Jim Nintzel on Mon, Apr 6, 2015 at 3:30 PM

Local novelist Lydia Millet takes a look at Tucson's International Wildlife Museum for the New York Times:

On the outskirts of this city stands a fake-medieval castle with an elk statue atop its battlements. In the courtyard is a bronze relief of a man shouldering his rifle — one C. J. McElroy, a Texan who founded both this International Wildlife Museum in 1988 and, before that, in the early 1970s, Safari Club International, the trophy hunters’ group that’s headquartered here. The wildlife museum contains, like its more pedigreed natural-history cousins in cities like New York and Washington, dioramas composed of the stuffed bodies of animals posed in sculpted woodlands or prairies with painted backdrops. These dioramas — as the scholar Donna Haraway has shown — have roots as colonial-era gardens of Eden in miniature. Some are very beautiful, too, with sublime and tragic qualities that captivate adults and children alike. And the dioramas have more to recommend them than the McElroy Hall, where hundreds of disembodied heads, many from animals shot by the museum’s founder, are lined up in long rows on knotty pine walls. The room is a monument to the scale of these kills. (Mr. McElroy reportedly took more than 100 safaris on six continents; his obituary says he claimed 425 trophies in the safari club’s record book.) More than the dioramas, it’s this old-school trophy chamber — a victor’s hall of imperial conquest, plunder and braggadocio — that seems to lay bare the museum’s core. Giraffes soar toward the high ceiling while a polar bear and black bear stand on hind legs, paws raised, faces frozen in fearsome roars. In the middle, great cats are penned, one from each famous species in a phantom Ark. But most overwhelming are the heads, protruding from the walls all around. If I weren’t familiar with the bizarre conventions of taxidermy — if I were a child, for example — these gentle, doe-eyed faces on chopped necks would certainly haunt me.

Millet notes that the Safari Club International still encourages the hunting of threatened species around the globe:

Behind this surface of poor spelling, outdated information and missing science lies the power of big money and big politics. Safari Club International is no N.R.A. leviathan; it claims a mere 50,000 members and in 2014 reported revenues of about $24 million, more than half from its annual convention. (The museum draws some 70,000 visitors a year.) But its members have included prominent leaders like Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf and the first President Bush, whose son presented himself as down home and authentic, just as this minor cultural outpost in Tucson does. Trophy hunters are not Everyman. These world-traveling endangered-species shooters are a far cry from the hunters who spend weekends in the American outback near their suburban or rural homes. In the 1970s, Safari Club International asked the federal government to approve its import of 1,125 not-yet-killed trophies of 40 endangered species, including gorillas, orangutans and tigers, according to the Humane Society of the United States. The club still promotes the “Big Five” African safaris of the colonial great white hunters of yesteryear; even today the richest of the rich can kill the “big five” (leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant, lion and rhino). In Namibia, for instance, you can bag a rhino — but only if you find you have $350,000 burning a hole in your pocket. The Dallas Safari Club recently auctioned a permit to kill a black rhino and as recently as this January attempted to sell a permit to hunt an elephant.

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Safari Club - International Wildlife Museum

• United States    
• Arizona (AZ)    
• Tucson    
• Tucson - Things to Do    
• International Wildlife Museum

Safari Club

This isn't a zoo. If you don't like hunters and hunting, you probably don't want to come here. However, there are examples of animals taken from all over the world, done with first class taxidermy, with great educational elements, and all at a very reasonable entrance cost.

What an educational experience. This unique museum offers learning experiences even when you don't think your learning. Every exhibit was well presented and informational. My favorite was the eyes exhibit found in the taxidermy section. Very creative. I saw many kids at aww when they were presented with the standout attractions, the McElroy Room, Woolly Mammoth display and sheep mountain. The best part is that you are able to touch/take pictures with a variety of interesting animals, which offers a hidden learning experience. All ages will appreciate this museum and it is a must stop if traveling to the desert museum. Thank you SCI for your contribution to help educate the public on wildlife sustainability. If I lived in the Tucson area I would look into the educational programs they host, including the summer camps.

If you like stuffed animals, this taxidermy museum and tribute to a long-deceased local millionaire hunter is quite a treat. I enjoyed it, but its a hunting lodge den on steroids. But, again, very well done and worth the price of admission -$7 for adult senior when I went. But, once around in about 30 minutes will do it for you. Great place to take a class of say 2d graders on a fied trip!!

This museum of taxidermy is just wonderful. Saw animals I never knew existed. Really enjoyed it and would recommend a visit here to anyone. Pictures allowed too.

Stopped by the Wildlife Museum on a rainy day in Tucson and we were pleasantly surprised by this museum. I agree that this museum would be enjoyed by both young and old. It is quite remarkable in the variety of animals that are on display as well as the educational plaques positioned throughout. It should be noted that our two year old was quite frightened by some of the exhibits as they are quite realistic, so be cautious when travelling with very young children.

The International Animals have SO MANY DIFFERENT kinds of animals about many thousand different of them from all our world. WOW! They are so many species. I wish you shall be going there is GREAT.

Tucson Arizona

International wildlife museum, the international wildlife museum of tucson.

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Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am to 6:00pm

The museum is closed three days of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Ticketing Office Closes 45 minutes prior to museum Closing

Contact Information:

4800 West Gates Pass Road

Tucson, AZ 85745

Phone: (520)-629-0100

Website:  https://www.thewildlifemuseum.org/

Location and Parking Accommodations:

The Museum is located at 4800 West Gates Pass Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85745

Directly down Speedway Blvd.

Parking is located all around the perimeter of the facility

International Wildlife Museum has 2 wheelchairs and 2 umbrella strollers available to visitors at no additional charge

Adults: $10.00 Seniors: $7.00

Student: $8.00 (ID required)

Military: $7.00 (ID required)

Children: $5.00 3 and under: Free

Discounts are provided to groups if planned in advance. One adult will be permitted entry for free for every ten children they accompany. Guided tours for groups larger than ten will be charged $1.00 extra per person.

*For facility and rental information refer to  https://www.thewildlifemuseum.org/facilities/

Founding & History and Introduction:

Nearly fifteen minutes west of the University of Arizona campus stands a 38,000 square-feet castle-like structure with an elk statue standing atop the main entrance. With a motto of, “Education, Conservation & Appreciation,” this structure stands to share knowledge and the conservation of wildlife as it displays more than 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from around the world. In February 1988, the International Wildlife Museum located at 4800 West Gates Pass Boulevard, was founded by Casper J. “C.J.” McElroy as part of an educational program by the Safari Club International Foundation, a non-profit ecological corporation, also founded by McElroy in 1972. According to the museum, some of it's collections are over 100 years old, and have been donated by individual persons, such as C.J. McElroy himself, different government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs and zoos. McElroy, who died March 01, 2002, was said to have hunted in fifty countries and six continents, with more than 70 African safaris during his lifetime. Notably, the museum’s structural design was influenced by one of McElroy’s visits to a Foreign Legion while hunting in Chad, Africa. In dedication to C.J. McElroy, there is a room located in the heart of the museum  with various animals on display. The large room, known as McElroy’s Hall, was designed similarly to his living room where he taught children about wildlife. However, you must walk through a few different collections, preys and predators, and a small informative exhibit that notes the processes of taxidermy and exhibit creations,  before reaching this massive collection of taxidermy animals. There stands a giraffe that allows visitors to walk underneath to gain perspective on the size of the creature.   

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Upon entering through the main doors and purchasing a ticket, individuals walk through the permanent exhibit dedicated to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt's conservation legacy – an exhibit that had its grand opening in 2017. On display are letters from the 26th President of the United States' typewriter plastered along the wall, alongside a timeline of events from his birth on October 27, 1858, until his death in 1919. It is here that visitors will learn about Roosevelt's work towards conservation and his achievements with starting some of the earliest conservation projects. This exhibit lays a great foundation for the purpose of the International Museum, as it's main focus is the conservation of various wildlife.  One of the plaques from the earlier years of Roosevelt’s life explains how he, while traveling to the Dakotas to hunt Bison, learned most animals were nearing extinction. Roosevelt then began his pursuit of wildlife conservation. In addition to the timeline and photos around the wall, there are artifacts from Roosevelt’s era on display in a glass case near the door leading into the introductory hall and the rest of the tour.

The International Wildlife Museum is one of ten permanent sensory safari facilities where children and adults are encouraged to learn by using all their senses, including their sense of touch. In the introductory hall, visitors can first learn more about the difference between which animals have horns and those with antlers. Though antlers are shed and regrown annually, horns are never shed and grow continuously. However, the pronghorn antelope is an exception to this observation as it sheds and regrows it's horn sheath yearly. Similarly, there is a section dedicated to distinguishing between the different types of teeth animals have. Plaques on the wall explain the difference between the teeth of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, grazers and browsers. Notably, deer and giraffes are considered browsers, while zebra, horses and bison are grazers. There are jaw bones on display for visitors to guess which teeth belong to one of the five categories mentioned above.

Like the mammal’s teeth display, there is a small wooden counter with fur swatches for visitors to feel before guessing which animal the protection may belong to – though most of the fur swatches seem to be missing in this interactive area.

Before leaving the introductory hall and moving into the world of birds, visitors can gather in a corner that explores the process of taxidermy, with the opportunity to push a button that switches on a light to the different types of glass eyes used on different animals, such as an alligator. This exhibit and many of the others at the museum, encourage the interaction between exhibit and visitors. 

Upon entering the World of Birds, visitors can read and enjoy different dioramas of the fowl in their habitats, from coniferous forest birds to birds of paradise. Individuals can also compare the differences in 50 eggs, as they sit alongside on another, produced by these birds.

Continuing the tour, visitors can get up close and personal in learning more about the relationships between predators and prey with dioramas of these relationships, such as the ostrich and the spotted hyena, where the scene depicts the hyena stealing an enormous ostrich egg. The next two exhibits on the tour typically rotate, however, the conservation room leads into McElroy Hall, right before the Sheep and Goat exhibition describing the conservation projects and equipment used to protect them in the wild.

Interactive and Technological features:

In addition to the sounds of critters within their habitats playing through hidden speakers positioned near dioramas, the International Wildlife Museum also uses televisions and monitors to share further information and also as a way for individuals to quiz themselves on specimen facts as they walk through the different exhibits.

The movie theater (which is displayed above) is very high quality and is capable of accommodating a lot of people. The content played within the theater focuses on the values of the facility. They tend to play documentaries that showcase the natural beauty of the animals on display within the museum. It also shows content that is meant to educate visitors on natural conservation and other ecological issues. Please note, the movie theater is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Gift Shop and More: 

Lastly, there is a small gift shop and a place to eat ( small scale concessions can be purchased at gift shop) before reaching the entrance/exit doors by the ticket booth. 

Notably, the museum is currently under renovations to add a kid's room near the food area. *

Gift Shop Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday through Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Additions and Exhibits 

Adding to the variety of informational made available in the International Museum, a children's room has been added that focuses on dessert life such as that found in the local area. The addition includes a walk through cave that creates a portal into the night life of dessert animals. This is a short tour for individuals to gain a greater sense of what it is like walking through Arizona at night. From rattlesnakes and owls to the bigger creatures like bobcats and mountain lions found in Arizona, you gain a better understanding of the diverse wildlife species lurking in the dark, some even wandering the City of Tucson’s streets.

There are all types of critters found in Arizona, many that bring people from all around to observe the wildlife in and around the landscape. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that individuals may want to get up close and personal with the different specimen found throughout the world – at least a chance with those on display at the International Wildlife Museum. Studying the specimen inside the museum makes it easier for individuals to gain a better understanding of the animals’ diets and habitats in ways you would not be able to in the wild – that is, without putting yourself in danger. The Safari Club International also had its reasons for opening the museum. The SCI believes the museum is a constructive way to show individuals how legal hunting contributes to the welfare of game and non-game species alike.

Another added feature of the museum is the efforts made to create scavenger hunts to keep children actively learning throughout the self guided tour of the museum. The museum provides a sheet of paper, differing based on age range of the participating child, with prompts for completing the hunt.  

Exhibits can be found at the link below; link provides temporary and permanent exhibits

https://www.thewildlifemuseum.org/exhibits/

References:

• https://www.thewildlifemuseum.org/
• https://safariclubfoundation.org/
• Information available at the Museum 

Video Tour:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8XK9SFaS7U

For Spanish Speakers:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXQNhRAlD2s
• #history #tucsonhistory #localhistory

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A list of ways to celebrate Star Wars Day in Tucson including movie screenings, dance parties, trivia nights, bar specials and more this May the Fourth.

20 ways to celebrate Star Wars Day in Tucson this Saturday 🌌

Movie screenings, dance parties, trivia nights, bar specials and more.

Elvia Verdugo

Digital Features Reporter

• Author twitter
• Author email
• Apr 30, 2024
• Apr 30, 2024 Updated May 6, 2024

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... the community gathered to celebrate the ultimate geeky holiday: Star Wars Day. 

This fun holiday returns this Saturday, May 4, and Tucsonans are ready to celebrate with movie screenings, dance parties, trivia nights, bar specials and sales.

Whether you’re a Jedi, Sith or something in between, here’s where you can celebrate May the Fourth in Tucson this weekend.

Movie screenings 🎞️

“Star Wars Episode IV — A New Hope” screening

The Loft Cinema is showing the first episode of the original Star Wars trilogy at 2 p.m. on May 4. Tickets are $8 for general admission.

Location: The Loft Cinema,  3233 E. Speedway

For more information, visit their website .

Star Wars double feature screening

Casa Video and Film Bar’s Star Wars celebration kicks off at noon on May 4 with a showing of the original “Star Wars: Clone Wars” series from 2003. After watching the series, the film bar is hosting a double feature at 7 p.m. starting with “Star Wars Episode VI — Return of the Jedi” followed by “Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure.”

Under Pressure Panini Grill and Eggroll Masters will also be onsite serving up food.

Location: Casa Video & Film Bar,  2905 E. Speedway

For more information, check out their website .

The Forty Niner Country Club is celebrating May the Fourth with a showing of the first episode of Star Wars from the original trilogy at 6:30 p.m. on May 4. This is a free event.

Location: Forty Niner Country Club,  12000 E. Tanque Verde Road

For more information, visit their event page .

“Star Wars Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker” screening

Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley is screening the final episode in the Star Wars series from 7-9:30 p.m. on May 4. This is a free outdoor screening event and attendees are encouraged to blankets and chairs. 

Location: Steam Pump Ranch,  10901 N. Oracle Road

“Star Wars Episode I — The Phantom Menace” is back in theaters

OK, OK, this isn’t exclusive to Tucson, so we're not technically counting this one. But, it’s a good opportunity to check out this classic film in theaters just like excited Star Wars fans did in 1999.

Above, check out this fun photo from 1980 of Tucsonans waiting to meet Darth Vader ahead of the release of “Star Wars Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back.”

Location: Major theaters everywhere!

Celebrations + parties 🎉

Science at Sunset: A Galaxy Far, Far Away 

There is a lot of Star Wars geekiness happening at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium on May 4. They’ll have trivia, planetarium presentations, a brief Star Wars laser show and other special activities.

The event runs from 5:30-10 p.m. on May 4. Tickets cost $25 per person (or $15 per person if you’re a Flandrau member).

Location: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,  1601 E. University Blvd .

May the Fourth Be With You: The Great Death Star Infiltration Celebration

Local nonprofit The Centurions is hosting its annual gala from 6 p.m. to midnight on May 4, this time surrounding a Star Wars theme and featuring headliner Smash Mouth. There will also be a Star Wars-themed costume contest and raffle. Tickets cost $125 per person ($60 tax-deductible) or $250 per person for a VIP ticket. 

Beneficiaries for this year’s gala include the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at TMC For Children, Assistance League of Tucson, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona and Courtney’s Courage.

Location: Tucson Convention Center,  260 S. Church Ave .

Star Wars-themed '80s Dance Party 

Surly Wench Pub is taking its typical '80s dance party and adding a Star Wars twist from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on May 4. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Star Wars outfits and cosplay.

The cover charge is $5.

Location: Surly Wench Pub,  424 N. Fourth Ave.

May the Rave be with You EDM Dance Party  

DJs from Tucson and Phoenix are heading to Solar Culture from 10 p.m. May 4 to 3 a.m. May 5 to celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars-themed EDM dance party.

Tickets cost $20. Star Wars outfits and costumes are encouraged. Plus, you could win a lightsaber at midnight!

Location: Solar Culture,  31 E. Toole Ave.

For more information, check out their event page .

Food + bar specials 🍻

Star Wars trivia night

Celebrate May the Fourth early! Snakes & Lattes is hosting a Star Wars trivia night from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. The trivia night will cover Star Wars movies and “The Mandalorian” series. 

Tickets start at $8 for solo players and go up to $64 for a table of eight.

Location: Snakes & Lattes,  988 E. University Blvd .

May the Fourth celebration at The Parish

The Parish is hosting its annual May the Fourth celebration starting at 5 p.m. on May 4.

The celebration will include Star Wars-themed bites and cocktails in character tiki cups, Star Wars trivia, a costume contest and a raffle benefiting nonprofit Taking Up Space, which is dedicated to helping Indigenous girls embrace their passion for STEM. Reservations are recommended for this event.

Location: The Parish,  6453 N. Oracle Road

May the Fourth Be With You at Corbett’s

Corbett’s is celebrating May the Fourth with special Star Wars-themed drinks from opening to close and a costume contest at 7 p.m. on May 4.

There will also be music from DJ Jason during the day and Sophia Rankin & The Sound throughout the evening. 

Location: Corbett's,  340 N. Sixth Ave .

For more information, visit their Instagram page .

May the Fourth Bingo at 1912 Brewing Company

1912 Brewing Company is hosting a Star Wars bingo night from 6-7:45 p.m. on May 2. Prizes will be awarded after each round. Attendees can grab food until 7 p.m. and drinks until 8 p.m.

Star Wars outfits are encouraged!

Location: 1912 Brewing Company,  2045 Forbes Blvd.

May the Fourth at HighWire Tucson

HighWire Tucson is celebrating May the Fourth from 6-10 p.m. on May 4. The downtown bar will have Star Wars-themed raffles, costume contests, photo ops with characters, specialty cocktails and character mugs.

The event is free to attend.

Location: HighWire Tucson,  30 S. Arizona Ave .

May the Fourth Be with You Paint & Sip at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Elsie’s Canvas is hosting a Star Wars paint-and-sip class from 1-3 p.m. on May 4.

For $45, attendees will receive a 16x20 canvas, all supplies needed for their painting (plus instructions) and a complimentary pint of their choice. Plus, a donation will be given to The Drop Dance Studio from ticket sales.

Location: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.,  228 E. Sixth St .

For more information, check out their Instagram page .

Star Wars-themed drink at Espressoul Cafe

Espressoul Cafe has been hinting at a new Star Wars-themed drink for May the Fourth on their Instagram Stories.

This mobile coffee truck will be at Di Luna Candles + Goods from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4.

Location: Di Luna Candles + Goods,  3061 N. Campbell Ave .

Check out Espressoul’s Instagram page for the latest updates.

Crafts, sales and more 🛍️

May the Fourth “Crafternoon” at Quincie Douglas Library

The Quincie Douglas Library is hosting a Star Wars-themed crafting event from 2:30-4 p.m. on May 4. This family-friendly event is perfect for kids and teens.

Snacks and goodies will be provided at the event, too!

Location: Quincie Douglas Library,  1585 E. 36th St .

For more information, visit their website . 

The Fourth Awakens Star Wars Day sale at Bookmans

Bookmans is celebrating Star Wars Day with a special sale: Buy three items, get the fourth free!

There will also be giveaways, kids activities, cosplayers and more at their locations.

Location:  6230 E. Speedway ,  4841 N. Stone Ave.

Photo op with Star Wars characters at Tucson Games and Gadgets

Find Stormtroopers and more when members of the 501st Legion’s Dune Sea Garrison make an appearance at Tucson Games and Gadgets from 5-7 p.m. on May 4 at their Tucson Mall location.

Attendees can also grab a drink from the Short Rest Tavern in the back of the shop.

Location: Tucson Games and Gadgets,  4500 N. Oracle Road

Star Wars Day + Free Comic Book Day at The Collectors’ Territory

Harley’s Toys and Comics is hosting a dual event in celebration of Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day on May 4.

Expect free comics and special sales in honor of the geeky holidays.

Location: The Collectors' Territory,  330 E. Seventh St .

May the Fourth Lego event at Bricks and Minifigs

Bricks and Minifigs Tucson is celebrating Star Wars Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 4 with deals on Star Wars items, a raffle and face painting.

There will also be a Star Wars character meet-and-greet from 10 a.m. to noon.

Location: Bricks and Minifigs,  6145 E. Broadway

Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul

CMOV@TC  has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,  teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert !

What does "supported by" mean?  Click here  to learn more.

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SCI To Open Business Offices In San Antonio

By John McLaurin, SCI President

Originally published in the May 2024 edition of Safari Times.

Safari Club International currently is making more progress on more fronts than ever before in its history. One example is moving the business offices from Tucson, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas.

We expect the new offices in San Antonio to be operational before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, with the Grand Opening Ceremony to take place on June 29. Details to follow. But if you are in San Antonio at that time, please come by.

This is much more than merely a geographic relocation of operations. It is a necessary part of long-range strategies that are intended to keep SCI at the forefront of protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable use of wildlife conservation worldwide.

When viewed historically, this move is a continuation of what began over a half-century ago in Southern California when SCI Founder C.J. McElroy personally handled club operations out of his house in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood.

SCI’s operations moved with Mac when he relocated to Tucson, first into an office building downtown and later to the International Wildlife Museum, where operations have been conducted until now.

As much as that was an interstate move eastward, so too is the move now from Tucson to San Antonio. There are myriad advantages to this move. Bottom line: It makes sense for the future of SCI.

For openers, Texas is a hunter-friendly state and that matters. Also, SCI already has Texas Trophy Hunters Association in San Antonio, so combining offices for both organizations makes sense, both financially and operationally.

Certainly, Texas is more centrally located in the country and easier to access than Tucson. This means there are logistical reasons for relocating to Texas beyond simply where the professional staff reports to work each day. Succinctly stated, San Antonio is where SCI needs to be today.

SCI is not just creating its business offices of the future, we are rewriting how effective hunter advocacy is done as we begin to make full use of the Hunters’ Embassy SCI World Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Government officials, as well as the world at large, are taking note of SCI’s enhanced presence — all indicative of our growing advocacy effectiveness on behalf of hunters and wildlife.

Concurrently, SCI’s expanded presence in Europe heralds a new era of cooperation and effectiveness there. This ranges all the way from partnerships with entities there like the Cinegética hunting convention in Spain to a renewed level of excitement among all European members and Chapters. SCI is also growing in presence and effectiveness within the European government and hunting organizations like FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation).

Additionally, SCI is expanding its efforts and presence in South America, Africa and Oceania. SCI is becoming a more vibrant positive force for hunting and wildlife all the time. These are exciting times!

As much as SCI can look back proudly upon its history, we also proudly look forward as we boldly address the challenges that lie ahead. We are doing that by taking the steps necessary now to ensure that structurally, we are able to capitalize on all opportunities to create a bigger and more powerful footprint around the globe.

Never before has the “International” part of SCI been so important and so real.

I thank all members and SCI for the opportunity to serve as your President during such a crucial, yet exciting, time. TOGETHER we are taking SCI to places not even imagined a few years ago, with the end result that SCI is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and sustainable use wildlife conservation here in the U.S. and globally!

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SCI Scores Big Time

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Wildlife Conservation & Outdoor Education

Worldwide programs that work.

Donor Driven Research

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) has a 20-year history of being a leader in science-based, research-driven solutions to real problems facing wildlife conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources. We partner with leading wildlife researchers at places like the Wyoming Migration Initiative at the University of Wyoming, the Center for Global Wildlife Conservation at SUNY-ESF, and the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana, to bring the latest applied techniques to wildlife conservation issues. However, doing cutting-edge, impactful research requires resources.

Although SCIF pursues a variety of opportunities to support our critical work, SCI members and SCIF donors and supporters remain the core source of the funds that make this work possible. Their passion for wildlife and for conservation expressed through their generosity provides the foundation upon which all of our efforts are built. Contributions through the Lion and Shield Society, the Hunter Legacy Fund 100 Endowment, and the First for Wildlife Endowment, as well as participation in SCI Foundation sweepstakes and the annual Beretta Gala, are all ways to support worldwide conservation and to show the dedication of SCI’s 40,000 hunter-conservationists. 

Your support is critical and we welcome you to explore and donate to these projects.

SCIF DREAM HUNTS SWEEPSTAKES

SCI Foundation is dedicated to helping hunters make their dreams come true.  Enter the SCIF DREAM HUNTS SWEEPSTAKES for your chance at winning $100,000 to go towards booking the dream hunts of your choice – any species, any place. 

Mission programs.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Conservation Efforts  never cease, and through chapter projects, SCI Foundation grants and scholarships, and regional programs, members of Safari Club International put their time and resources to use to benefit wildlife populations around the world.  SCI Foundation ensures the best available science is used in wildlife policy and management and demonstrates the constructive role that hunting plays in the conservation of biodiversity worldwide.

Education Programs , SCI Foundation (SCIF) and Sables work together to provide high quality conservation and outdoor education programs. They are committed to teaching educators, youth, wildlife professionals, federal/state elected officials, conservation NGO’s, first time hunters, and social influencers about the following:

• Wildlife Diversity
• North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
• The role that hunting plays in wildlife conservation and management
• The importance of hunting as a socially and culturally accepted activity in society
• Outdoor recreation

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

Humanitarian Service Programs  are also a primary initiative of SCI Foundation.  The programs cover a wide perspective and cross the globe in outreach.  These programs include the SafariCare Bell Family Blue Bag program, Sportsmen Against Hunger, Veterans, Sensory Safari and Humanitarian Service Matching Grants. At the core of these programs is delivering activities and services to those in need.

SCI Foundation News

Win a 5-day bezoar ibex hunt in turkey, scif-sables endowed hunting heritage scholarship program recipient, bezoar ibex sweepstake winners recount their experience, chronic wasting disease found in indiana, what are wildlife funding diversions, sables denver chapter experience spotlighted with kylie alstrup, scif helps mozambique communities with elephant conservation, scif and sables join as supporting partners of delta waterfowl’s university hunting program, sci foundation provides opportunities to learn to hunt in new mexico, scif partners with georgia officials to engage hunters and other stakeholders to minimize risk of cwd in white-tailed deer, legacy of impact.

Help SCI Foundation continue it’s legacy of promoting wildlife conservation and outdoor education in your backyard and around the world.

The number of countries in which SCI Foundation has funded conservation projects.

1.5 MILLION POUNDS

The amount of venison donated through SCI Foundation’s Sportsman Against Hunger program.

$80 MILLION

The amount SCI Foundation has spent on conservation, wildlife, education, and humanitarian services since 2000.

The percentage of SCI Foundation’s conservation work is done in North America.

Number of youth reached annually with a conservation message by graduates of the American Wilderness Leadership School.

Our Supporters

Since 2000, SCI Foundation has provided more than $80 million to promote science-based conservation through wildlife research, capacity building in governments, youth and teacher education, and humanitarian programs that show the importance of the hunting community in society around the world. Growth of SCI Foundation has continued to gain momentum through charitable donations from SCI members and direct grants from local chapters and the SCI organization. Throughout the world, SCI’s approximately 50,000 members and 190 chapters contribute time, talent, and financial support to local, national, and international projects.

How to Help