BRONX, N.Y. , March 13, 2025 — Calling all runners, walkers and wildlife supporters: registration is now open for the Bronx Zoo’s annual WCS Run for the Wild. The 17th annual 5k run and 3k family fun run/walk will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Bronx Zoo.

This year’s event is inspired by the Indian gharial and will help support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) work at the Bronx Zoo and around the world in protecting gharials and other wildlife. Indian gharials can be seen in the Bronx Zoo’s JungleWorld exhibit. These crocodilians grow up to 20 feet in length and are excellent swimmers and hunters. They face dire threats from habitat loss, destruction and pollution; the Indian gharial is critically endangered with fewer than 1,000 remaining in the wild.

Each year, more than 5,000 runners, walkers, and wildlife supporters participate and help raise awareness of the threats facing wildlife while fundraising to support WCS’s conservation work at the Bronx Zoo and around the world.

The 5K race for individual runners will begin at 8:00 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the 3K family fun run/walk at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to stay after the race to take part in post-run activities and visit the Bronx Zoo.

Participants 16 years and older are required to meet the minimum fundraising level of $35, in addition to the registration fee. Upon completing the required minimum fundraising, all registrants receive:

  • Free all-day access to the Bronx Zoo, with access to all rides and attractions, including opening day of the Wild Asia Monorail
  • Free parking
  • A commemorative WCS Run for the Wild t-shirt and medal
  • Post-run entertainment, including music and dancing, wildlife characters, Zumba instruction, photo booths, games, face painting, and more

Through fundraising, participants can also earn rewards, including a gharial plush, water bottle, baseball cap, cross-body bag, sweatshirt, and Bronx Zoo tickets with a VIP meal voucher.

Following the race, the Bronx Zoo is open exclusively for Run for the Wild participants all morning! As the world's largest urban zoo, the Bronx Zoo features more than 10,000 animals from around the globe. All-day admission – with access to all rides and attractions – is included.

Guests will also get to experience Dinosaur Safari, returning to the Bronx Zoo this spring! Get up close with some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth, including more than 60 life-size animatronic dinosaurs and pterosaurs. This year’s Dinosaur Safari features 11 new dinosaurs and more hands-on fun for dino lovers of all ages.

Register to participate in the 17th annual WCS Run for the Wild now and help make tracks for gharials here.

WCS Run for the Wild is sponsored by Montefiore Einstein.

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