Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) was founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS), and is based at the Bronx Zoo.

As of 2010, the Wildlife Conservation Society manages some of protected lands around the world, with over 500 field conservation projects in 60 countries, and 200 scientists on staff. It also runs five facilities in New York City: the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo which together welcome over 4 million visitors per year. All of its New York City, USA facilities are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Mission

The stated mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society is:

History

The Wildlife Conservation Society was originally chartered by New York on April 26, 1895 as the New York Zoological Society with a mandate to advance wildlife conservation, promote the study of zoology, and create a first-class zoological park. Its name was changed to the Wildlife Conservation Society in 1993.

Among the founders of WCS were Andrew H. Green, best known as the father of greater New York City, and Henry Fairfield Osborn, Columbia University professor and curator of the American Museum of Natural History. Theodore Roosevelt and other notable New Yorkers were also involved in the Society's creation.

The Bronx Zoo (formerly the “New York Zoological Park”) was...
Read More