Wildlife Conservation Society

Wildlife Conservation Society
AbbreviationWCS
FormationApril 26, 1895; 129 years ago (1895-04-26) (as New York Zoological Society)
Founders
Type501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Purpose
HeadquartersBronx Zoo
Bronx, New York, United States
Region
Worldwide
Chair
Alejandro Santo Domingo
Vice chair
Hamilton E. James
Key people
Robb Menzi (Interim President and Chief Executive Officer)
Staff
3,700[1]
Websitewww.wcs.org
Formerly called
New York Zoological Society (1895–1993)

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, that states its mission as saving "wildlife and wild places across the globe".[2] Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS), the global conservation organization is, as of April 2, 2024, led by Interim President and CEO Robb Menzi.[3] WCS manages four New York City wildlife parks in addition to the Bronx Zoo: the Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo. Together these parks receive 4 million visitors per year.[4] All of the New York City facilities are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).[5] WCS has a global program doing conservation work on the ground in more than 50 countries[6].[citation needed]

  1. ^ "Wildlife Conservation Society - GuideStar Profile".
  2. ^ "E-Media Kit - WCS.org". www.wcs.org. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  3. ^ "Monica Medina Steps Down as WCS President and CEO". newsroom.wcs.org. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  4. ^ "About Us" WCS.org, accessed 23 November 2020
  5. ^ "List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums" Association of Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org , accessed 23 November 2020
  6. ^ "E-Media Kit - WCS.org". www.wcs.org. Retrieved 2024-07-01.