Millions of people walk and bicycle across the Brooklyn Bridge every year, but few know that the wood planks of the promenade come from tropical rainforests. Together with various partners, WCS has created an initiative to replace the aging planks of the boardwalk with sustainably harvested wood from Guatemala’s Uaxactún community forest. If supported by city officials, the project will secure contributions from New Yorkers and city visitors for each of the bridge’s 11,000 new planks. The financial endowment raised through plank sponsorship would in turn provide Uaxactún community members with the resources needed to protect their forest; proceeds would also benefit conservation efforts within New York City. 

The new Arctic Blast program introduces youngsters to the wildlife and native cultures of the world’s polar regions Register online at: www.nyaquarium.com  Brooklyn, N.Y. –– Jan. 29, 2014 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium is accepting registrations for the new Arctic Blast, a two-day mini camp for children ages 9 to 11 on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.   The program focuses on the animals...

New York City visionaries now have a tool to reshape the city’s environmental future. Mannahatta2409.org builds on WCS’s successful Mannahatta Project, which imagined and examined the natural history of Manhattan prior to European settlement.

Mannahatta2409.org enables public to create and contribute sustainable visions for New York City of tomorrow New York (January 28, 2014)—A new online tool developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society will enable New Yorkers to develop and share sustainable visions of New York City’s future, making it possible for the public to virtually plan their city block by block.To create a “vision,” users log on to Mannahatta2409.org, select the block, neighborhood, or community district of interest, and...

WCS congratulates Hong Kong’s Government for sending strong anti-poaching message NEW YORK (January 28, 2014) – The Wildlife Conservation Society congratulates Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department’s Endangered Species Advisory Committee for announcing last week they will destroy their stockpile of approximately 30 metric tons of confiscated ivory. The announcement is seen as a major step in the effort to protect elephants from the ravages of ivory poaching. Hong Kong ...

Although national parks provide much-needed safe havens for wildlife, they’re not enough for the migratory species that travel in and out of their borders. To compensate, conservationists are now paying closer attention to protecting migratory paths.

An international trader with ties to global crime syndicates was arrested today for smuggling live animals, including baby siamangs and komodo dragons.

Trader connected to crime syndicates in Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cyprus Operation was completed by Ministry of Forestry and Jakarta National Police Criminal Investigation Division, with technical assistance from WCS’s Wildlife Crimes UnitNEW YORK (January 23, 2014) — The Wildlife Conservation Society announced today the arrest of a wildlife trader in Indonesia who specialized in smuggling live animals including baby primates and komodo dragons. The arrest was made in Bali by forest rang...

Bronx, NY – Jan. 22, 2014 – Attached Photo: Brown Bears at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo “bear-ly” notice the 8-degree temperatures and feel right at home in 11 inches of fresh snow.CONTACT:Max Pulsinelli: 571-218-7601; mpulsinelli@wcs.orgThe Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, 5:30 p.m. weekends from April to October; 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m November to March. Adult admission is $16.95, children (3-12 years old) $11.95, c...

As overfishing pushes more and more shark and ray species to the brink, WCS is increasing its commitment to the conservation of these fish and their relatives over the next 10 years.