WCS mourns the passing of Professor Don J. Melnick, an internationally renowned teacher and scientist who died April 18, 2019. Dr. Melnick worked closely with many of us at the Wildlife Conservation Society as he created the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation at Columbia University, a consortium including WCS, the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Wildlife Trust (now EcoHealth Alliance). 

Steadfast efforts continue to prevent the extinction of the Giant Yangtze Soft Shell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), even with the news that the last known female of the species died on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

The last known female Giant Yangtze Soft Shell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) died on Saturday, April 13, 2019, during recovery from anesthesia after an artificial insemination procedure in Suzhou, China.

An international study published today in the journal Science argues that the current international target for the protected area estate, accepted by over 190 nations, is failing. They propose a new measurable target based on the best scientific evidence that they say will galvanize greater and more effective conservation efforts.

NYC Parks, in partnership with the Bronx River Alliance, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) today came together to stock the Bronx River at the Bronx Zoo with 400 alewife, a type of river herring.

Equinor Wind US, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) today launched a joint project to deploy two acoustic buoys designed to expand the detection and monitoring of whale species found in the waters of New York Bight.

The government of Belize has approved “The Expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones,” which will increase the total area of Belize’s protected waters from 4.5 percent to 11.6 percent, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). 

WCS applauds Governor Cuomo and the New York State Senate and Assembly for including in the state budget $300M of historic funding for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), and a $1M increase in funding to the Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquariums (ZBGA) Program.  

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) applauds Governor Cuomo and the New York State Senate and Assembly for their leadership in banning single-use plastic bags in this year’s budget. 

Dinosaurs will be making a big comeback this summer at the Bronx Zoo. Dinosaur Safari – the biggest, most realistic dinosaur ride in America. Members of the media are invited to preview the experience on Thursday, April 11 from 10a-2p. The experience will open to the public on Friday, April 19. The immersive experience will take adventurers on a ride through a two-acre wooded area of the Bronx Zoo where 40 ultra-realistic, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs lurk   Featured din...