https://newsroom.wcs.org RSS feeds for Newsroom 60 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26356/Save-The-Fish-for-Dinner.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26356 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26356&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26356/Save-The-Fish-for-Dinner.aspx New York, NY – June 23, 2026 — Today, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) returns with Year 2 of its Petition Paper campaign, expanding its reach across select New York City restaurants to drive awareness and action around the protection of Hudson Canyon—a vital underwater ecosystem located just 100 miles offshore from here. The campaign aims to generate support for designating Hudson Canyon a National Marine Sanctuary. The campaign invites New Yorkers to engage with Hudson Canyon in the places they already connect with seafood—at the table—supported by a robust, integrated media rollout across out-of-home, radio, digital, and social channels that launched on World Ocean’s Day (June 8), bringing the story to audiences across the region. Beginning June 23 and continuing throughout July, participating restaurant partners will bring the campaign to life on their menus, featuring Hudson Canyon “Catch of the Day” dishes and seasonal seafood offerings sourced from the region—including black sea bass, scallops, squid, tilefish, and more. Guests will receive a custom-designed card alongside their meal, sharing the story of Hudson Canyon and inviting them to take action via a QR code linked directly to the petition. Participating restaurant & hospitality partners include: Greenpoint Fish & Lobster - 114 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn  The Yacht Club - 601 West 26th Street Grand Banks - Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, Tribeca Crave Fish Bar - UES (1462 Second Ave), UWS (428 Amsterdam), Midtown (945 Second Ave) and Crave Sushi (947 Second Avenue) Point Seven - 200 Park Ave Lobster Place - 75 9th Ave Six Coasts - 146 Carder Rd, Governor’s Island Enzo’s - 2339 Arthur Avenue, Bronx  Additionally, WCS has teamed up with Billion Oyster Project on its summer Oyster Socials, highlighting the vital connection between the Hudson Estuary—a  critical nursery habitat for many ocean fish species—and the Hudson Canyon. The events will feature oysters from New York-area oyster farmers alongside seafood sourced from the Hudson Canyon, celebrating the region's interconnected marine ecosystem. The campaign will also be featured at 8it’s Family Meal this month, a monthly gathering of New York’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals, allowing WCS conservation experts to engage directly with some of the industry's most influential voices on the importance of sustainable sourcing and the protection of Hudson Canyon. Across every activation, the message remains the same: Save the Fish for Dinner. “We want to meet people where they are—and for seafood lovers, that’s at the table” said John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at WCS. “Hudson Canyon supports many of the fish we eat, and the jobs that rely on them. This campaign helps make the connection between our dinner plates and ocean protection clear—and actionable.” Watch the campaign video featuring Greenpoint Fish’s owner Vinny Milburn, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how fishmongers, chefs, and consumers alike can play a role in protecting the waters that sustain them.  Another video, featuring Kerry Heffernan of Crew Hospitality Group’s Grand Banks, offers the chef’s point of view on why we should protect Hudson Canyon and “save the fish for dinner.” “The future of seafood starts with protecting the ocean it comes from,” said Milburn. “This campaign is about recognizing that we’re all stakeholders in ocean health - whether we fish, sell, or simply enjoy a good meal.” "As a recreational fisherman, I have been lucky enough to fish the Hudson Canyon many times over the last three decades. The bounty and diversity of marine life I have witnessed is nothing short of astounding. As part of the team at CREW, we have had the privilege of being mindful stewards of this resource, collaborating with WCS and observing the regulations that have preserved this natural wonder so close to our restaurants in NYC. We are proud to feature responsibly harvested tuna and tilefish on our menus and hope that our efforts help preserve this fishery for generations to come," Chef Kerry Heffernan, CREW Culinary Director. From Canyon to the Coast WCS and its New York Aquarium have worked for decades to study and raise awareness about the New York Bight, from Cape May, NJ to Montauk, NY. The New York Aquarium’s Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit educates visitors about local marine life, the threats they face, and how individuals can take action. Hudson Canyon is the largest submarine canyon along the Atlantic Coast, home to a remarkable array of wildlife including whales, sea turtles, sharks, and cold-water coral. The area is also a hub for recreational fishing, eco-tourism, and sustainable seafood, supplying countless markets and restaurants across the Tri-State area. About the Petition Paper Campaign The campaign seeks to drive thousands of signatures to petition NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for a National Marine Sanctuary designation for Hudson Canyon, (Link to petition HERE), demonstrating broad public support to protect wildlife, sustain local fisheries, and ensure an abundant, responsibly sourced seafood future for communities across New York and New Jersey. The campaign builds upon WCS's longstanding efforts to protect and raise awareness of Hudson Canyon. WCS nominated the area for consideration as a National Marine Sanctuary and continues to lead a broad coalition of scientists, conservation organizations, fishing interests, businesses and community stakeholders advocating for its designation. At the same time, WCS supports a Sanctuary designation that safeguards the region's extraordinary marine biodiversity while ensuring a future for sustainable fisheries under existing regulatory authorities. Created by award-winning agency McKinney and powered by Horizon Media and Genuine Overkill, the Petition Paper campaign takes inspiration from the longstanding tradition of butcher paper in fish markets. Designed in partnership with Cylndr Studios, the limited-edition prints merge the Japanese art of gyotaku with nostalgic fish market graphics, transforming a familiar format into a compelling call to action. This year, the campaign earned a Bronze Effie and Silver Clio Award, recognizing McKinney and WCS for their creative approach to conservation storytelling and demonstrating excellence and innovation in marketing and advertising. ### ipayano@wcs.org Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26356 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26308/WCS-Says-Strong-Commitments-at-11th-Our-Ocean-Conference-Must-Now-Be-Turned-Into-Action.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26308 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26308&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26308/WCS-Says-Strong-Commitments-at-11th-Our-Ocean-Conference-Must-Now-Be-Turned-Into-Action.aspx MOMBASA, KENYA (June 18, 2026) – The following statement was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya. Said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President of International Policy: “This week exceeded our expectations in terms of advancing strong commitments for actions that have tremendous potential to truly lead to equitable and effective protection and conservation of ocean ecosystems, for the benefit of biodiversity and the local communities around the globe that depend on that biodiversity and healthy marine environments. “Now the hard work must begin, or continue, to truly protect our ocean, including from over-fishing that harms marine life and local livelihoods, as well as illegal and destructive fishing practices—so that we can achieve restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems. “WCS helped lead and launch several major global initiatives over the course of the week, including: launch of a landmark scientific report on climate-resilient coral reefs and the signing of a commitment to protect those reefs by five additional governments; and announcement of new commitments by several African governments to deliver on area-based conservation along their coasts, including the gazettement of new marine protected areas. WCS and partners also proudly convened the expansion of the Women Ocean Guardians coalition, formerly in Latin America and the Caribbean, into Africa—where women leaders from 11 African countries, who gathered on the Kenyan coast in the days prior, came together and issued a declaration calling for dignity, justice, and healthy oceans.   “WCS is committed to drive support directly to the front lines of ocean conservation—whether that’s leveraging resources directly into to coastal communities and women leaders or using the latest global climate change science to identify and protect the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs.  “We see this Conference, only 4 years away from the 2030 deadline for fulfilment of the government commitments of the Global Biodiversity Framework, as a vital milestone along the urgent path towards area-based conservation, including the #30x30 target. However, protected and conserved areas must be more than lines on a map, and must truly be representative, based on sound science and local knowledge, and managed equitably and effectively. Many of the commitments this week will help reach the full potential of that target. “While we recognize the critical value of the #30x30 target, we continue to urge governments, donors and partners not to forget about implementation of the other 22 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. We highlight particular attention to inclusive and equitable marine spatial planning (GBF Target 1), actions to halt marine species extinction and endangerment (GBF Target 4), ensuring that all use and trade in marine species is legal, sustainable, and safe (GBF Target 5), reducing pollution risks (GBF Target 7), increasing climate-resilience (GBF Target 8), ensuring equitable, gender-inclusive participation in ocean governance and decision-making (GBF Target 22), and more. These are all core elements of our WCS 2030 Marine Conservation Strategy. “Commitments and promises are not an end in themselves, but a milestone along a critical path. WCS stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our government and community partners, in working to turn these promises into action. The ocean cannot wait; the time is now. We look forward to reporting on achievements and on increased ecological integrity of marine ecosystems at the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027, in Canada.” ipayano@wcs.org Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26308 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26307/9-African-Governments-Announce-New-Marine-Protections-at-Our-Ocean-Conference.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26307 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26307&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26307/9-African-Governments-Announce-New-Marine-Protections-at-Our-Ocean-Conference.aspx MOMBASA, KENYA (June 18, 2026) – Nine African governments announced new commitments to ocean protection this week at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya, marking concrete progress toward the global goal of effectively and equitably protecting 30 percent of the world's ocean ecosystems by 2030. The announcements – spanning newly gazetted marine protected areas (MPAs), national conservation strategies, new planning frameworks, and commitments to develop new MPAs – signal a shift from pledge to action across the continent. "WCS works across Africa as a partner, convener, and technical advisor for many of the countries that presented commitments this week at Our Ocean. What we presented is the result of years of work by governments and communities to translate ambition into action. It’s a celebration of these efforts and an opportunity to build momentum and learn from the many positive examples from the continent," said Dr. Jean Mensa, Marine Program Director at WCS Tanzania. "Each of these announcements reflects a different stage of the conservation process, and together they demonstrate what sustained, collaborative effort can achieve." Tanzania formalized two significant milestones. The North-East and South-East Marine Conservation Areas off Pemba, Zanzibar – committed to at last year's UN Ocean Conference – have now been officially gazetted, together spanning 1,300 km² of mixed-use zones, including climate-resilient coral reefs and an Important Shark and Ray Area.  Tanzania also committed to begin the process of designating Kilwa MPA, a proposed area of between 1,000 and 2,500 km² that would protect 180 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, an Important Shark and Ray Area, and an Important Marine Mammal Area. Management would have positive spillover effects for up to 150,000 people across 30 communities, including those surrounding Kilwa Kisiwani, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mozambique presented its plans for a National Marine Conservation Strategy, an ambitious, long-term framework for area-based ocean protection. The country reaffirmed its plan to advance the strategy, move it through final review, and progress towards implementation. Madagascar committed to converting five MPAs – Sorkay, Tandavandriva Nosy Be, Ria i Androy (Atimo Vatae), Baie de Diego, and Mer d'Émeraude – from temporary to permanent status, with gazettement anticipated by 2028. Together the areas span 13,890 km², protect climate-resilient coral reefs, two Important Marine Mammal Areas, two Important Shark and Ray Areas, and would benefit more than 230,000 people. The project is a joint effort of committed partners and stakeholders, under the leadership of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. Kenya committed to finalizing the country’s draft marine conservation, restoration, and governance regulations. The regulations will include provisions for the recognition and support of community-led Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), among other mechanisms, providing a clear pathway towards the 30x30 goal through inclusive conservation efforts. Gabon announced the launch of a marine spatial planning process aimed at achieving 30 percent ocean protection by 2027, to be supported by a blue bond financing mechanism. “Coastal African communities rely on often dwindling natural resources,” said Tanguy Nicolas, Africa Marine Technical Specialist for Fauna & Flora. “Governments must balance conservation, economic growth, and climate change. The solution must put local communities at the centre, letting them manage coastal ecosystems and benefit economically. The WIO OECM policy brief offers a clear way to make this happen.” ### ipayano@wcs.org Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26307 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26306/African-Women-Ocean-Guardians-Step-onto-the-World-Stage-6-Coral-Triangle-Nations-Join-Global-Commitment.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26306 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26306&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26306/African-Women-Ocean-Guardians-Step-onto-the-World-Stage-6-Coral-Triangle-Nations-Join-Global-Commitment.aspx MOMBASA, KENYA (June 18, 2026) – At the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, the Women Ocean Guardians coalition today announced its expansion into Africa. Twenty-six women – protected area managers, fishers, and coastal community leaders from 11 African nations – gathered on the Kenyan coast in the days prior, coming together for the first time as an African collective and issuing a declaration for dignity, justice, and healthy oceans.  They were joined by women leaders from the Latin America and Caribbean group, the founding hub of the Women Ocean Guardians, who crossed an ocean to stand in solidarity and forge the first links of a truly global network. The six member countries of the Coral Triangle Initiative also signed the Voluntary Commitment, bringing total signatory governments to 14. “We are not defined by the challenges we face; we are defined by the solutions we create,” said Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, a coastal leader in the Women Ocean Guardians group from Nigeria. “United as Women Ocean Guardians, we are shaping a future of dignity, justice, and healthy oceans for all.” The African Women Ocean Guardians Declaration, issued following a two-day workshop on the coast of southern Kenya, speaks directly to the realities facing millions of women across more than 30,500 kilometers of African coastline. The declaration calls on governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to take concrete action across four areas: addressing gender-based violence in coastal communities;  guaranteeing safe and dignified working conditions;  securing healthcare and reproductive rights for marine-coastal women; and  dismantling the structural barriers that keep women out of ocean governance and decision-making. Representing women from freshwater to coastal ecosystems across 11 countries, the declaration makes clear that women are not simply beneficiaries of ocean policy – they are its architects. The convening and declaration represent the Women Ocean Guardians initiative's formal expansion beyond Latin America and the Caribbean, where the movement first launched in 2024. The initiative, co-led by WCS, Conservation International, and the Global Environment Facility, is now extending its reach into Africa and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, building on a GEF-supported project to scale women-led marine action globally. "Women Ocean Guardians is about recognizing that inclusive ocean governance is not an option – it is a necessity,” said Pamela Castillo, Director of the Marine 30x30 program at WCS. “It is about understanding that the knowledge, leadership, resilience, and innovation of women are among the most powerful yet underutilized forces for ocean conservation. And, it is about ensuring that the women who have protected these ecosystems for generations are no longer seen as beneficiaries of change, but as architects of it. Together, we are building a community of women united by a shared purpose – one that crosses borders, cultures, and oceans, and believes that protecting our blue planet requires all voices, all knowledge systems, and all hands working together.” Adding to the momentum, new support from six Coral Triangle nations represented through the Coral Triangle Initiative – Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste – to the Women Ocean Guardians Voluntary Commitment reflects growing support for gender-inclusive ocean governance across the Indo-Pacific.  By signing, these governments join a growing roster pledging to embed gender equity in national ocean and biodiversity plans, elevate women into decision-making roles across marine governance bodies, support financing mechanisms for women-led conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods, promote leadership and technical capacity among coastal women, and strengthen monitoring frameworks with transparent, equity-focused accountability systems. “We know that true resilience lies in the hands of grassroots women leaders… who safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience every day,” said Christovel Rotinsulu, Deputy Executive Director of Program Services for the Coral Triangle Initiative. “Empowering women is central to achieving resilient ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and inclusive governance.” “The launch we have witnessed today illustrates something important: Global agreements do not implement themselves. They require leadership, partnerships and people willing to turn ambition into action,” said Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). “Whether we speak about the Global Biodiversity Framework, the BBNJ Agreement, or the Sustainable Development Goals, success ultimately depends on people and partnerships that bring them to life. The Women Ocean Guardians Initiative demonstrates how regional action can contribute to global progress and how women’s leadership can help shape a more sustainable and equitable future for our ocean. The Federal Ministry of the Environment in Germany is proud to support this growing movement and the women leaders driving it forward.” Since its launch at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the Women Ocean Guardians initiative has grown from a regional platform into a global movement. The Voluntary Commitment has now secured endorsement from 14 national governments and more than 29 organizations and multilateral partners.  With convening processes underway in Africa and expansion into Southeast Asia and the Pacific planned, the initiative is building the infrastructure to ensure that women's leadership is not an afterthought in ocean policy, but its foundation. This work was made possible through a grant from Oak Foundation: “We care that Oak’s grants reach communities in a flexible way, to support the ecosystem, connect and build solidarity, and uplift the self-organizing efforts of women ocean guardians globally,” said Imani Fairweather Morrison, Environment Program Officer for the Oak Foundation. ### ipayano@wcs.org Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26306 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26298/5-Countries-Join-Global-Commitment-to-Protect-Climate-Resilient-Coral-Reefs-Bringing-Total-Signatories-to-20.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26298 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26298&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26298/5-Countries-Join-Global-Commitment-to-Protect-Climate-Resilient-Coral-Reefs-Bringing-Total-Signatories-to-20.aspx MOMBASA, KENYA (June 17, 2026) – At the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya, 5 new governments signed the High-Level Climate-Resilient Coral Reef Commitment, the first global pledge to protect the world’s climate-resilient coral reefs – reefs with the greatest potential to survive climate change and serve as the foundation for future reef recovery.  The new signatories bring the total coalition to 20 reef countries across all coral regions, expanding a movement first launched at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June 2025. Today, WCS was invited to take the stage at the official event plenary to present the commitment.  Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. They cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor yet support around 25% of all marine life, generate up to $2.7 trillion each year in ecosystem services, and underpin the food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection of nearly 1 billion people. Despite their importance, only 28% of identified climate-resilient reefs currently fall within protected or conserved areas – underscoring the urgency of the growing coalition. “With 20 coral reef countries now signing the high-level commitment, governments are embracing science-based action and making a statement that there is renewed hope for coral reefs,” said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS’s Vice President of International Policy. “WCS stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners to deliver the best scientific, technical, and financial support to ensure governments can maximize actions to protect these reefs in national biodiversity, climate, and other strategies and actions. We look forward to bringing on more signatories ahead of CBD CoP17 in October and UNFCCC COP31 in November – landmark moments for the ocean and a chance to show leadership in saving the most resilient coral reefs – for the sake of biodiversity and humanity’s future.” The new government signatories coincide with the launch of Our Reefs, Our Future, a global campaign from WCS, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) calling on governments to recognize climate-resilient reefs as critical for ocean biodiversity and as economic infrastructure for people, food security, and coastal resilience. The global initiative uses new science to identify which reefs are most likely to survive the impacts of climate change and coral bleaching as a guide for where protections can have the greatest long-term impact. "Our reefs are not postcards. They are lifelines – sustaining over 500,000 livelihoods along Kenya's coast alone,” said Dr. Eng. Festus Ng'eno, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change. “That is why this Commitment cannot be a signal of good intentions; it must be a binding signal of political will. We need a financing revolution: reef conservation funded by a budget line, not a brochure, and treated as climate investment, not charity. Our destinies are tied to the future of this ecosystem. This is the turning point – the moment we stop mourning what we've lost, and start funding what we can still save." By signing, governments commit to identifying and prioritizing climate-resilient coral reefs in national policies and 30x30 planning, integrating reef protection into national biodiversity and climate frameworks, reducing local pressures like water pollution and destructive fishing, implementing national reef monitoring and action plans, and ensuring community leadership and local knowledge underpin their action for corals. “When a government signs the Coral Commitment, it sends a clear signal – to the global community, to fellow nations, to policymakers, and to funders – that this country is ready and willing to act for its reefs,” said Marie-Céline Piednoir, Global Coordinator for the High-Level Coral Commitment. “But a signature is only the starting point. Our work is also to make sure that signal travels all the way from a global stage down to the water’s edge, so that global ambition ripples into local action, and coastal communities who have always lived alongside these reefs become the ones leading their protection.” The commitment is jointly led by WCS, The Nature Conservancy, WWF Coral Reef Rescue Initiative, and remains open for additional countries to join ahead of upcoming global conferences. Learn more and sign on at coralcommitment.com/protect-the-reef. ### ipayano@wcs.org Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26298 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26295/New-York-Aquariums-Shark-Party-Returns-for-Two-Weekends-of-Family-Fun-and-Conservation.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26295 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26295&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26295/New-York-Aquariums-Shark-Party-Returns-for-Two-Weekends-of-Family-Fun-and-Conservation.aspx BROOKLYN, N.Y. — June 17, 2026 — Shark Party, a family-friendly celebration of sharks and marine conservation, will return by popular demand to the New York Aquarium on July 18- 19 and 25-26. The multi-weekend event invites guests to discover the vital role that sharks play in marine ecosystems around the world, and to learn more about these often-misunderstood denizens of the deep. Festivities run from 11 AM-4:30 PM each day and are included with New York Aquarium admission or free for WCS Members.   In the company of the aquarium’s more than 4,500 aquatic animals, Shark Party offers a packed lineup of activities that blend entertainment with conservation education: Animal Experiences Join expert-led Keeper Chats that spotlight the care and feeding of sharks, penguins, sea lions, and harborseals. Watch keepers feed and train another fascinating cartilaginous fish at NEW Cownose Ray Feedings. Witness the adaptations and expert care of California sea lions at Aquatheater Shows. Activities & Interactives Enjoy NEW interactive bubble shows. Dig through sand to uncover ocean treasures at the Nature’s Treasures Table. Show off your moves at a Shark Dance Party with tunes by MC Hammerhead. Dance and sing along to Wildlife Theater performances. Stop by the Shark Survival Station to learn how the New York Aquarium helps sharks thrive here and in their wild habitats. “Meet” sharks around the planet through guided games at Quest Carts. Get artsy with sea-themed crafts, airbrush shark tattoos, and a community mural. Sharks are essential to the healthy balance of marine ecosystems, but many species are threatened by habitat loss and human activity. Through Shark Party’s educational programming, the New York Aquarium helps combat misconceptions and build support for shark conservation. Plan your visit and purchase tickets at NYAquarium.com/plan-your-visit. Follow the New York Aquarium on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X. ### jdagostino@wcs.org Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26295 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26294/Madagascar-and-Zanzibar-Announce-New-National-Shark-and-Ray-Protections-at-Our-Ocean-Conference.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26294 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26294&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26294/Madagascar-and-Zanzibar-Announce-New-National-Shark-and-Ray-Protections-at-Our-Ocean-Conference.aspx MOMBASA, KENYA (June 17, 2026) – At a side event this evening at the Our Ocean Conference, the governments of Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new national protections for sharks and rays, marking the latest milestone in a decade of conservation progress across East Africa. Sharks and rays are experiencing one of the fastest extinction crises of any vertebrate group on Earth – more than 37% of species are now threatened with extinction, driven largely by overfishing and an international trade that, for decades, went largely unregulated. Over the last decade major gains in international management of these species have begun to change their trajectory, and we’re now seeing countries implement protections at a national and local level. “Sharks are an essential part of healthy ocean ecosystems,” said Luke Warwick, Senior Director of WCS’s Threatened Marine Species program. “This rapidly accelerating global framework of laws, coupled to enforcement and local level conservation action gives us hope we can end the declines of the last half century, and start these ancient predators on the long road to recovery.” Madagascar announced it will offer full national protection for 14 species of sharks and rays under the country’s Wild Fauna Decree, including the Critically Endangered oceanic whitetip shark, as well as whale sharks and manta rays. Zanzibar announced full protection for 34 species in its coastal waters, including hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and the endemic Zanzibar guitarfish.  “The actions taken by the Madagascar government to protect these species, among other positive actions, comes at a time when sharks and rays need conservation efforts more than ever,” said Ravaka Ranaivoson, Partnership and Program Development Director for WCS Madagascar. “This milestone highlights Madagascar's commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of its marine resources.” As recently as a decade ago, the global trade in sharks and rays was largely unregulated, and these species were fast running out of time. Today, that trade has rules, those rules are being enforced, and governments around the world are writing them into national law via species protections and the inclusion of shark specific conservation measures in fisheries and protected area laws and designations. The announcements from Madagascar and Zanzibar are the latest proof that momentum, once built, continues to grow. Today’s announcements build on past successes and three years of historic global progress. At CITES CoP20 in November 2025, countries adopted every shark and ray proposal on the table, listing more than 70 species and bringing 96% of the global shark fin trade and 70% of shark and ray meat trade under international regulation for the first time. In total, 180 species are now listed under CITES, with 33 carrying a full commercial trade ban. “From global decisions to local action on the water, the scale and pace of progress in shark conservation is truly remarkable,” said John Mandelman, Executive Director, Shark Conservation Fund. “Yet threatened sharks and rays, and the habitats they depend on, still require the strongest protections. Together, these efforts are creating an essential pathway toward recovery.” The announcements were made at a private reception hosted at the Our Ocean Conference by Shark Conservation Fund in partnership with the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar, and supported by WCS. Learn more: wcs.org/sharks  |  sharkconservationfund.org This work was made possible with generous support from Shark Conservation Fund and the UK’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund, and through partnerships with more than 15 institutions and leading shark and ray scientists and conservation experts worldwide. ### ipayano@wcs.org Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26294 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26279/WCS-Honors-Rob-Walton-Former-Chairman-of-Walmart-and-a-Longtime-Conservation-Philanthropist.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26279 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26279&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26279/WCS-Honors-Rob-Walton-Former-Chairman-of-Walmart-and-a-Longtime-Conservation-Philanthropist.aspx (From left to right) Alejandro Santo Domingo, Chair of the WCS Board of Trustees; Rob Walton, former chairman of Walmart and a longtime conservation philanthropist; Adam Falk, WCS President and CEO. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) hosted its annual gala at the Central Park Zoo in New York City on June 10, 2026, honoring Walton. Walton has focused his giving on practical, durable efforts to protect wildlife and wild places, strengthen protected-area management, and support partnerships that deliver lasting conservation outcomes. Credit: WCS New York, New York — [June 11, 2026] — The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) hosted its annual gala last night, honoring Rob Walton, former chairman of Walmart and a longtime conservation philanthropist. Walton has focused his giving on practical, durable efforts to protect wildlife and wild places, strengthen protected-area management, and support partnerships that deliver lasting conservation outcomes. Alejandro Santo Domingo, Chair of the WCS Board of Trustees, presented Walton with the WCS Distinguished Leadership in Conservation Award during the gala held at the WCS Central Park Zoo. “Rob Walton understands that preserving nature in Africa is critical—not just for Africa, but also globally: for biodiversity, for climate, and for human well-being and security,” said Alejandro Santo Domingo, Chair of the WCS Board of Trustees. “That’s why the Rob Walton Foundation launched the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership in 2025, with the historic goal of mobilizing African leaders, communities, NGOs, and funders to protect 162 of Africa’s most important landscapes by 2035. WCS is honored to be one of the founding partners of this initiative, and to help carry out this important work.” Said Adam Falk, WCS President and CEO: “In the decade ahead we will be doubling down on saving the most important places for nature in Africa, thanks to a transformational commitment from our honoree tonight, Rob Walton, and from many other donors who understand that we’re at a make-or-break moment for African wildlife and wild places.” The Rob Walton Foundation has joined with WCS and other organizations to launch the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, a landmark initiative that unites African governments, communities, and international organizations to secure critical landscapes that are irreplaceable for nature. Walton’s previous leadership roles in conservation include Chair of the Environment Committee of the Walton Family Foundation; Chair of the African Parks Foundation of America; and Chair of Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability. His contributions to the environment have been recognized with the International Conservation Caucus Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Conservation International’s Founder’s Award. Walton said, “I am deeply grateful to WCS for this honor. And I am grateful for the extraordinary work that all of you do every day. It has been one of the great joys of my life to play even a small part in helping to protect our natural world for my children and grandchildren, and to work alongside people so committed to something that is practical, urgent, and profoundly important.” WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Said Falk: “Through our zoos and aquarium, our science, and our conservation work, we touch millions of lives and help protect the future of wildlife and wild places across the globe…Our approach is simple: we go where nature needs us most. We work in places facing the greatest threats and containing the most important wildlife. We build partnerships with local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments at every level. We take on the hard challenges and we stay for the long haul.” WCS leads the world’s largest and longest-running field conservation program, partnering with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, governments, and other NGOs to protect vast, climate-critical, biodiverse landscapes and seascapes in more than 55 countries and all the world’s oceans. WCS also inspires and educates the next generation of conservationists through a robust education program, including international scholarships, and with five iconic wildlife parks in New York City: the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.  ### About Rob Walton Rob Walton is a business leader, conservationist, and owner of the Denver Broncos. After serving as a partner at the law firm Conner & Winters, Walton held several positions at Walmart, including senior vice president, corporate secretary, general counsel, and vice chairman of the board, before serving as chairman from 1992 to 2015. His leadership and business acumen contributed to the company’s historic success. He helped take Walmart public in 1970, and as chairman, helped Walmart become a global company at the top of the Fortune 500. Walton is deeply committed to conservation. In 2025, the Rob Walton Foundation partnered with WCS and others to launch the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, mobilizing African leaders, communities, NGOs, and funders to safeguard some of the continent’s most critical landscapes. Walton’s previous leadership roles in conservation include Chair of the Environment Committee of the Walton Family Foundation; Chair of the African Parks Foundation of America; and Chair of Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability. His contributions to the environment have been recognized with the International Conservation Caucus Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Conservation International’s Founder’s Award. A pilot, competitive driver, and cyclist who has completed the Leadville 100, Cape Epic, and multiple Ironman Championships, Walton is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and Columbia University School of Law. About the WCS Gala The WCS Gala is a signature event in New York City’s social season. It brings together WCS supporters, scientists, and philanthropists, all working toward saving the world’s biodiversity for people and wildlife. Set within the spectacular WCS Central Park Zoo, the gala offers an unforgettable experience beneath the stars, surrounded by breathtaking city skyline views. The co-chairs of the gala this year were: Elizabeth and Lee Ainslie, Ayers Wild Cat Conservation Trust, Katie and Peter Dolan, Diana and Joe Dowling, Laura and Peter Grauer, Antonia and George Grumbach, The Halvorsen Family Foundation, Judith Hamilton, John and Jeanet Irwin on behalf of Hillside Capital Incorporated, Charlotte and Alejandro Santo Domingo, Kitty and Stephen Sherrill, Susan Slavik Williams – The Donald Slavik Family Foundation, Loretta Stadler, Priscilla and Ward Woods, Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang; DÉCOR: The Sora Lee; CATERING:Thomas Preti Events to Savor; WEBSITE: www.wcs.org/Gala jdagostino@wcs.org Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26279 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26273/Screwworm-Fight-Will-Fail-Unless-Governments-Shut-Down-Illegal-Cattle-Trafficking.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26273 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26273&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26273/Screwworm-Fight-Will-Fail-Unless-Governments-Shut-Down-Illegal-Cattle-Trafficking.aspx New York, June 10, 2026 – Following confirmation by USDA of New World screwworm infestations in cattle, a goat, and a dog in the United States, the following statement was released by Dr. Jeremy Radachowsky, Wildlife Conservation Society Regional Director for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean: “New World screwworm’s arrival to Texas and New Mexico should end the blame game and force a hard look at the root cause of the regional crisis: illegal and unregulated cattle movement through Central America and Mexico. There are currently six confirmed cases of screwworm in the US; 5 reported cases in Texas and one in New Mexico." “Sterile fly releases, traps, quarantines, inspections, and veterinary treatments are essential. But they will not be enough if governments leave open the illicit cattle corridors that move wounded, stressed, and potentially infested animals across borders and around sanitary controls. We cannot sterilize our way out of a trafficking pipeline. “WCS warned in November 2024 that screwworm hotspots were closely mirroring known cattle-smuggling routes from Nicaragua through Honduras and Guatemala into Mexico. These routes do not exist in isolation. They are tied to corruption, land grabbing, deforestation, money laundering, and organized criminal economies that use cattle to occupy protected areas, launder profits, and penetrate legitimate beef supply chains. “This is not simply a US border problem, a Mexico problem, or a Central American problem. It is a regional biosecurity failure with consequences for ranchers, rural economies, wildlife, public health, food security, and taxpayers. The same illicit cattle economy destroying forests and Indigenous territories in Mesoamerica is now helping move a dangerous animal-health threat toward North America’s livestock systems and wildlife. “The United States, Mexico, and Central American governments should urgently align around one regional objective: stop illegal cattle trafficking as a core screwworm-control measure. That means targeted enforcement at known smuggling crossings; real-time animal-movement intelligence; stronger traceability from birth to slaughter; penalties for laundering illegal cattle into legal markets; and sustained investment in community and protected-area monitoring and management where these routes begin. “The technical response must continue. But eradication will fail if the parasite is repeatedly reintroduced through illegal cattle movement. The way to protect livestock, wildlife, rural livelihoods, and taxpayers is to cut off the trafficking routes that allowed this crisis to move so fast and so far.” ### ipayano@wcs.org Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26273 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26271/New-White-Paper-Calls-for-Stronger-Action-on-Live-Wildlife-Trade-to-Prevent-Future-Pandemics.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26271 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26271&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26271/New-White-Paper-Calls-for-Stronger-Action-on-Live-Wildlife-Trade-to-Prevent-Future-Pandemics.aspx BRONX, NY, June 9, 2026 — A new white paper released by the International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade warns that the global trade in live wild animals continues to create conditions that can fuel the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases and future pandemics. The report, “Live Wildlife Trade and Markets,” examines how the capture, transport, sale, and keeping of live wild animals can increase opportunities for pathogens to move between wildlife, domestic animals, and people. The paper was developed by the Alliance's Working Group on Transformative System Change and includes Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Executive Director of Health Dr. Chris Walzer among its authors. The report emphasizes that zoonotic disease risks are not limited to illegal wildlife trade. Legal and illegal trade alike can create conditions that favor pathogen transmission when wild animals are removed from their natural habitats, transported long distances, mixed with other species, and brought into close contact with people. “Pandemic prevention cannot begin after a disease outbreak has already started,” said Dr. Chris Walzer, Executive Director of Health at WCS and a co-author of the report. “The most effective and affordable approach is to reduce the conditions that allow dangerous pathogens to emerge and spread in the first place. That means addressing risks throughout wildlife trade chains before they become global public health crises.” According to the report, nearly three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases affecting people originate in animals, with many originating in wildlife. The authors note that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the enormous human and economic costs that can result when pathogens cross from animals into people. Beyond millions of deaths worldwide, the pandemic caused trillions of dollars in economic losses and long-term health impacts that continue today. The paper argues that prevention measures are significantly less expensive than responding to outbreaks after they occur. Investments in reducing wildlife-trade-related disease risks, improving surveillance, strengthening regulations, and protecting ecosystems cost a fraction of the losses associated with future pandemics. “The next pandemic is far more likely to be prevented in a forest, a marketplace, or a wildlife trade supply chain than in a hospital,” said Joe Walston, Executive Vice President for Global Conservation at WCS. “This report shows that protecting wildlife and reducing risky trade practices are essential investments in a safer future.” Among the report's key findings is the role of the international exotic pet trade, in which millions of animals move each year through complex international supply chains. The authors note that gaps in monitoring, health screening, and traceability can make it difficult to assess and manage disease risks. The report also concludes that existing legal and regulatory systems are often poorly aligned with disease prevention goals.  To reduce future risks, the authors recommend stronger prevention-oriented policies, including improved surveillance, health screening, quarantine measures, traceability systems, hygiene standards, enforcement, public education, and demand-reduction efforts where wildlife use is discretionary or driven by commercial markets. The report stresses that solutions must be fair and practical, recognizing that some communities rely on wildlife for food security and livelihoods. At the same time, it argues that such considerations should not be used to justify large-scale commercial wildlife trade that increases risks to people, animals, and ecosystems. “Being prepared for the next pandemic is essential, but preparedness should never be confused with prevention,” said Dr. Walzer. “The most effective and cost-efficient approach is to reduce the risk of pathogen spillover before local outbreaks become regional epidemics or global pandemics.” The International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade is a global coalition of experts and organizations working to reduce health risks associated with wildlife trade while supporting biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable development. ### ipayano@wcs.org Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26271 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26255/Tracking-Snow-Leopard-Movements-Across-Mongolian-Gobis-Low-Elevation-Corridors.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26255 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26255&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26255/Tracking-Snow-Leopard-Movements-Across-Mongolian-Gobis-Low-Elevation-Corridors.aspx Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. June 3, 2026—In the fragile eastern edge of the global snow leopard range, where disconnected low elevation mountain habitats intersect with Mongolia’s rapidly expanding infrastructure and changing climate, a team of scientists have placed GPS collars on two adult male snow leopards to help identify and safeguard critical movement corridors across Mongolia’s South Gobi. The collaring is part of a long-term effort by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in collaboration with the Government of Mongolia, to better understand and protect snow leopard habitats and movement corridors across the far eastern edge of the species’ global range. Here, isolated mountain systems near the Mongolia–China border are separated by vast desert valleys and increasingly pressured by climate change, mining, roads, railways and expanding infrastructure. The collaring took place in remote low-elevation mountain ranges in Umnugobi Province, outside existing protected areas in an extremely dry landscape. Understanding whether this population remains functionally connected to wider snow leopard populations is critical for long-term conservation. Unlike the higher elevation mountain systems more commonly associated with snow leopards elsewhere in High Asia, this fragile Gobi landscape occurs at relatively low elevations of around 1,800 meters and supports snow leopards at naturally low densities. Scientists are increasingly concerned that expanding infrastructure and changing climate could further isolate these mountain habitats and restrict movement between remaining snow leopard populations. The two captured males weighed approximately 42 kg and 39 kg - average weights for healthy adult males - and were safely released back into the mountains following veterinary monitoring and recovery. The initiative benefited from training and knowledge exchange with colleagues from the Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation, which have led long-term snow leopard research efforts in Mongolia’s Gobi region. In particular, snow leopard researcher Örjan Johansson provided training and mentorship to the field team on safe snow leopard capture and collaring techniques. Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar, Senior Scientist at WCS Mongolia and capture lead for the field effort, said: “This is potentially one of the most vulnerable parts of the snow leopard’s range. These mountain systems are naturally isolated, and now increasing infrastructure and human activity across the Gobi may further restrict how snow leopards move between them. If these connections are lost, populations could become increasingly fragmented and vulnerable over time.” The collars add to broader efforts by WCS Mongolia and the Mongolian government to conserve ecological connectivity across the South Gobi landscape. The data from the collars will allow scientists to monitor snow leopard movements almost in real time and better understand how the cats navigate landscapes outside protected areas. Batbayar Galtbalt, Connectivity and Climate Change Manager at WCS Mongolia, said: “This work builds on more than a decade of connectivity research in the South Gobi, including long-term GPS collaring efforts on khulans (Asiatic wild ass) and goitered gazelles across the region. Together, these datasets are helping us understand how wide-ranging wildlife responds to increasing fragmentation and where the remaining functional corridors still exist across the Gobi-steppe ecosystem.” “Local communities are also increasingly concerned about declining numbers of ibex and argali sheep in some parts of the landscape, which are important prey species for snow leopards. Understanding how snow leopards use these isolated mountains is critical if we are to safeguard both the cats and the wider ecosystem they depend on.” WCS Mongolia currently works with six community groups across corridor areas in South Gobi, supporting local herders to participate in wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts across unprotected landscapes. Community members from this area participated directly in the collaring effort alongside WCS scientists and veterinarians. Justine Shanti Alexander, Country Director of WCS Mongolia, said: “South Gobi’s economic landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace. Understanding how snow leopards move through these mountain systems enables data-driven solutions that integrate functional habitat corridors directly into future infrastructure and development plans.” The collaring effort forms part of WCS Mongolia’s broader strategy focused on maintaining wildlife connectivity and ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. The South Gobi supports globally important populations of snow leopards, khulans, goitered gazelles, and other nomadic wildlife species that depend on large, interconnected landscapes to survive increasingly frequent extreme weather events such as drought and dzud. Mongolia supports the world’s second-largest population of snow leopards and plays a globally important role in the conservation of the species. Snow leopards are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with habitat fragmentation and climate change among the major long-term threats across much of their range. Luke Hunter, Executive Director of WCS’s Big Cats Program, said: “Conserving snow leopards today is not only about protecting isolated protected areas. It is increasingly about maintaining the connected landscapes these cats and their prey rely on to move, adapt, and survive in a rapidly changing world. Mongolia remains a stronghold for the species, and this work is critical to understanding and protecting that future.” # # # ipayano@wcs.org Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26255 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26242/New-York-Aquarium-to-Honor-World-Oceans-Day-with-Weekend-Long-Ocean-Shell-a-bration-Party-for-All-Ages.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26242 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26242&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26242/New-York-Aquarium-to-Honor-World-Oceans-Day-with-Weekend-Long-Ocean-Shell-a-bration-Party-for-All-Ages.aspx BROOKLYN, N.Y. — May 30, 2026 — Make a splash this summer at the New York Aquarium’s Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend, a festive, family-friendly event that celebrates the vital role oceans play in our lives. In honor of World Oceans Day (June 8) and National Oceans Month, the event runs June 6-7 from 11 AM-4:30 PM each day. All festivities are included with New York Aquarium admission and free for WCS Members. Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend invites guests of all ages to explore more than 4,500 aquatic animals and become advocates for marine conservation through a wave of new entertainment: Join keepers at a Spineless Wonders Chat to learn more about the fascinating invertebrates that call this exhibit home. Add a splash of color with ocean-themed face painting. Dig for ocean artifacts at the Natural Treasures Station sand tables.  Enjoy sensory bubble performances that are fun for the whole family. Test your knowledge of marine life at Ocean Jeopardy and trivia. Other activities will also return due to popular demand: Learn more about penguins, sea lions, and harbor seals at dedicated keeper chats. Witness the adaptations and expert care of California sea lions at Aquatheater Shows. Dance and sing along to Wildlife Theater performances. Join the Ocean Shell-a-bration parade, a festive procession through Aquarium grounds. Add artistic flair with themed crafts and a community mural. Greet and snap photos with costumed characters in the outdoor plaza. Stop by the Aquarium Insider’s Station to learn how experts care for animals at the Aquarium and protect them in the wild. Established by the United Nations in 2008, World Oceans Day highlights critical issues like ocean pollution, overfishing, climate change, and the importance of sustainable ocean practices. On Friday, June 6, guests are also invited to join a Coney Island Beach Sweep to beautify and conserve our shores. The cleanup will take place from 12:00-2:00 PM; participants should meet on the boardwalk in front of the Aquarium. Plan your visit and purchase tickets at NYAquarium.com/plan-your-visit. Follow the New York Aquarium on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X. ### WCS's New York Aquarium The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium is open every day of the year and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  The aquarium is located on 14 acres along the historic Coney Island boardwalk and beach (602 Surf Ave., Coney Island, NY). Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at nyaquarium.com. Plan your visit and purchase tickets at nyaquarium.com/plan-your-visit. Follow the New York Aquarium on social media for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X. Members of the media should contact mdixon@wcs.org (347-840-1242) for more information or with questions. jdagostino@wcs.org Sat, 30 May 2026 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26242 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26236/Happy-a-Much-Loved-Asian-Elephant-at-the-WCS-Bronx-Zoo-Has-Died.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26236 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26236&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26236/Happy-a-Much-Loved-Asian-Elephant-at-the-WCS-Bronx-Zoo-Has-Died.aspx New York, May 27, 2026 — Happy, a 55-year-old Asian elephant at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, has been euthanized after a period of hospice care during which veterinary and animal care staff managed progressive, age-related health conditions. The following statement was released today by Craig Piper, Interim Bronx Zoo Director and Executive Vice President for Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos and Aquarium: “We are deeply saddened to report that Happy, who was loved by staff and visitors at the Bronx Zoo for nearly 50 years, was euthanized on Tuesday, May 26. Following ongoing assessments of her condition and quality of life, this difficult decision was made when it became clear that her age-related conditions had progressed. She died peacefully surrounded by the keepers, curators, and veterinarians who have cared for her; some for more than 30 years. Their longstanding, deep relationships were invaluable to Happy throughout her life. “The decision to euthanize was made by the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams and guided solely by Happy’s wellbeing and comfort. Throughout her final weeks, staff closely monitored her behavior, appetite, mobility, and overall health while providing specialized supportive care, pain management, nutritional support, and hydration therapies tailored to her needs. “Making the decision to euthanize an animal is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking responsibilities in animal care, requiring immense compassion and love for the animal. “In addition to degenerative changes associated with advanced age, diagnostic testing and ongoing veterinary evaluations identified signs of potential declining kidney or liver function. Despite comprehensive medical management and supportive therapies, her condition worsened. A necropsy performed today revealed several large inoperable uterine tumors and arthritis (which would be expected in an animal of her age). Our veterinary team believes all these conditions collectively contributed to her decline. “Happy spent her final weeks having access to the elephant barn and outdoor yard spaces where she was most comfortable, with the choice of where she wanted to be. She continued to interact with her keepers during daily routines and remained under the attentive care of the staff members who knew her best. “Happy arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1977. She was an incredible ambassador for her species, inspiring millions of visitors to care about Asian elephants and their conservation. Keepers who worked closely with Happy over the years recalled that she would often lift her trunk in greeting. She was known for her hearty appetite — happily eating ‘everything,’ with watermelon and strawberries among her favorite treats.  “Patty, the Bronx Zoo’s other Asian elephant, at 57 years old is doing well. Any future decisions regarding Patty’s care and management will continue to be made based on her individual welfare needs and in alignment with Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other professional standards.” ### Legal Proceedings Involving Happy Happy was the subject of years of frivolous litigation brought by anti-zoo activists seeking to have her legally declared a person and removed from the Bronx Zoo. In multiple rulings, New York State courts, including the state’s highest court, ruled in favor of the Bronx Zoo.  As with all animals at the Bronx Zoo, WCS always focused on what was best for Happy’s health and psychological well-being, considering her behavior, history, personality, age, and special needs. Read More: The Misuse the Writ of Habeas Corpus, Potentially Risking the Health and Welfare of Happy, An Elephant at the Bronx Zoo Court Sides with Bronx Zoo in Elephant Case ### nMoss@wcs.org Wed, 27 May 2026 23:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26236 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26231/Bronx-Zoo-Announces-Birth-of-Endangered-Przewalskis-Foal.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26231 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26231&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26231/Bronx-Zoo-Announces-Birth-of-Endangered-Przewalskis-Foal.aspx BRONX, N.Y. — May 26, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo welcomed an Endangered Przewalski's foal on April 21. The foal can now be seen among its herd at the zoo’s Wild Asia Monorail exhibit. The Bronx Zoo has played a pivotal role in the conservation of the Przewalski's horse, also known as the Mongolian wild horse — a species that was once considered Extinct in the Wild. Through breeding programs aimed at maintaining a genetically diverse population of the species and through reintroduction efforts, zoo-bred Przewalski’s horses were successfully returned to their native grasslands in China in 1989 and in Mongolia beginning in 1992. The Wildlife Conservation Society provides support to Protected Areas that are home to wild horses in Mongolia. The Przewalski's horse is considered Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is estimated that fewer than 2,000 exist on Earth today. Przewalski's horses are stockier than domestic horses, with shorter legs, characteristic dun coats, and dark, upright manes. Guests can catch a glimpse of the foal from the Bronx Zoo’s Wild Asia Monorail, which winds through the heart of the Asian wilderness. Along the way, seasoned tour guides point out iconic species like red panda, tiger, and greater one-horned rhino, as well as many species rarely seen in zoos, such as markhor and gaur. Plan your visit and purchase tickets at BronxZoo.com/plan-your-visit. Follow the Bronx Zoo on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube. ### ipayano@wcs.org Tue, 26 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26231 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26216/Bronx-Zoo-Celebrates-World-Bee-Day-with-Honey-Tasting-and-Live-Demos-Led-By-Local-Beekeepers-and-Honey-Sommeliers.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26216 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26216&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26216/Bronx-Zoo-Celebrates-World-Bee-Day-with-Honey-Tasting-and-Live-Demos-Led-By-Local-Beekeepers-and-Honey-Sommeliers.aspx BRONX, N.Y. — May 22, 2026 — The Bronx Zoo hosted a World Bee Day celebration on May 20th, honoring the importance of the bee with live demonstrations and a honey taste test led by local beekeepers and honey sommeliers. Guests met bee experts firsthand and learned about the critical role that honeybees and other pollinators play in our environment, food systems, and health. The event’s pollinator-themed programming included: A tasting contest to determine which NYC borough’s honeybees produce the best tasting honey. An up-close look at live worker bees in action at NEW, eye-level observation hives. Free samplings of locally-produced honey in various flavor profiles. Pollinator information stations that educated guests about native and invasive species. This year’s honey taste test winner was Bronx beekeeper Sean Flynn, or “The Allergic Beekeeper”. Despite a severe allergy to bee stings, Flynn houses rescued bee swarms in his Bronx apartment until suitable relocation sites are found. He previously starred in Keeper, an Oscar-shortlisted documentary short about beekeeping that was featured at WCS’s REEL WILD™️New York Film Festival. The Bronx Zoo’s World Bee Day event will return in 2027 with an even bigger lineup to honor the critical role that honeybees and other pollinators play in the biodiversity of our planet. For more information on upcoming events, follow the Bronx Zoo on social media channels: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube. ### ipayano@wcs.org Fri, 22 May 2026 15:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26216 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26215/Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-Rare-Twin-Endangered-Collared-Lemurs.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26215 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26215&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26215/Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-Rare-Twin-Endangered-Collared-Lemurs.aspx BRONX, N.Y. — May 22, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is announcing the birth of twin collared lemurs in a rare event for the Endangered species. The collared lemur is a medium-sized primate native to southeastern Madagascar. They are considered Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as populations have declined by 50% in the past 24 years due primarily to habitat loss and poaching. Collared lemurs belong to the most endangered group of mammals in the world; roughly 96% of lemur species are at risk of extinction. Less than 25% of all collared lemur pregnancies in managed care settings result in multiple births, making this pair’s birth an especially hopeful moment for the conservation of the species. The Bronx Zoo participates in the Collared Lemur Species Survival Plan (SSP), an AZA-managed breeding program that helps maintain the species’ genetic viability. Bronx Zoo animal care staff will determine the sex of each infant at their first veterinary exam. Collared lemurs are named for the distinctive rust-colored fur around their necks. Infants typically nestle into their mother’s belly for nursing and warmth and can be seen riding on her back as they grow. Adults spend most of their lives in treetops, utilizing their long tails to balance as they leap through the forest canopy. This pair can now be seen at the Spiny Forest section of the Bronx Zoo’s Madagascar! habitat. While visiting, guests can also encounter a variety of species that reflect the extraordinary biodiversity that WCS works to protect across Madagascar – including Critically Endangered red-ruffed lemurs, radiated tortoises, among others. Tickets can be purchased at BronxZoo.com/plan-your-visit. Follow the Bronx Zoo on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube ### ipayano@wcs.org Fri, 22 May 2026 15:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26215 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26213/Stowaway-Red-Fox-Rescued-by-Federal-Authorities-and-the-Bronx-Zoo-Successfully-Completes-Quarantine.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26213 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26213&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26213/Stowaway-Red-Fox-Rescued-by-Federal-Authorities-and-the-Bronx-Zoo-Successfully-Completes-Quarantine.aspx Bronx, NY, May 22, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo today announced that the red fox rescued in February after being discovered aboard a cargo ship from Southampton, England, is healthy and has completed quarantine where he was successfully treated for a parasite, commonly known as the “French heartworm.” The male fox, estimated to be about 2 years old, was brought to the Bronx Zoo on February 19 after being discovered as a stowaway aboard a vessel entering the Port of New York and New Jersey. The animal, detected among the ship’s cargo, was secured by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and then brought to the WCS Bronx Zoo. Following arrival at the zoo, the red fox — now named Basil — underwent a comprehensive veterinary evaluation at the zoo’s Wildlife Health Center, where he was diagnosed with a parasite commonly known as “French heartworm” (Angiostrongylus vasorum), which is rarely seen in the United States and is more commonly associated with wild foxes and domestic dogs in Europe. Unlike the heartworm more commonly associated with domestic dogs and cats in the United States, Angiostrongylus vasorum infects the blood vessels of the lungs in wild canids and can cause severe respiratory disease if left untreated. WCS’s Bronx Zoo veterinarians used a combination of blood testing, fecal examinations, ultrasonography, and advanced molecular diagnostics to detect and identify the parasite. Over the course of approximately one month, Basil received three different types of deworming medications as part of a carefully managed treatment plan. Following treatment, veterinarians repeated diagnostic testing multiple times to confirm the infection has now been successfully cleared. Throughout his treatment, Basil showed significant improvement. He gained weight, developed a fuller and shinier coat, and demonstrated strong overall health during follow-up examinations. Veterinary and animal care staff noted a dramatic improvement in his body condition and appearance during his most recent health check. When Basil arrived at the Bronx Zoo, he weighed 11.2 pounds (5.1 kg). He now weighs 13.7 pounds (6.2 kg), a gain of approximately 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg). “Basil has done exceptionally well since arriving at the Bronx Zoo,” said Craig Piper, interim Director of the Bronx Zoo and Executive Vice President of WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “Treating wildlife like this requires extensive coordination and expertise from our veterinary and animal care teams. We are very pleased with his recovery and continued progress since his long journey across the Atlantic.” Upon arrival at the zoo, Basil underwent a standard quarantine under the care of zoo veterinarians like all new animals arriving at the zoo. The zoo will assess the most appropriate long-term placement for the red fox now that he has completed quarantine. The WCS Bronx Zoo regularly works with federal and state agencies to assist wildlife rescued, including animals involved in illegal wildlife trafficking cases. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are among the most widespread carnivorous mammals in the world and are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are known for their adaptability and can thrive in forests, grasslands, and urban environments. ### The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo The WCS Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for leadership in animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science, and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which has conservation field projects in more than 55 countries and manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks, including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium. ipayano@wcs.org Fri, 22 May 2026 12:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26213 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26200/New-study-shows-increasing-urban-wild-meat-consumption-in-Central-Africa-poses-a-threat-to-both-wildlife-and-food-security.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26200 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26200&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26200/New-study-shows-increasing-urban-wild-meat-consumption-in-Central-Africa-poses-a-threat-to-both-wildlife-and-food-security.aspx Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 19 May 2026 – Published in Nature, a new study based on extensive data collected across seven countries shows an alarming rise in wild meat consumption in Central Africa, driven by a surge in demand from fast-growing urban areas. The study, led by CIFOR-ICRAF and co-authored by multiple WCS-affiliated researchers, reveals that the total annual biomass of wild meat consumed in Central Africa increased from 0.73 to 1.10 million tonnes between 2000 and 2022. The growing demand for wild meat in urban areas is leading to unsustainable hunting levels, threatening both wildlife and the food security of rural communities. Whilst the human population in Central Africa has grown from 25 million to 140 million over the last century (with 51% now living in urban areas), human consumption of wildlife now poses a threat to 31% of all mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians currently at risk of extinction in the region. The study looks at the drivers behind this increase, particularly socio-economic and cultural factors, as wild meat is often seen as a status symbol, and also being considered healthier than farmed or imported meat, thus hindering the development of an already insufficient supply of farmed protein. The study calls for the development of affordable and sustainable sources of protein for Central African metropolises, while stressing the importance of simultaneously fostering alternative sources of income for those currently involved in the wild meat value chain. "The findings in Nature reflect a reality we see every day: the threat to our wildlife is as much an urban issue as much as a rural one. At WCS, we believe we can protect our natural heritage while strengthening food security. By pairing campaigns in Brazzaville and Kinshasa with support for local poultry farmers, we can deliver practical, community-led solutions that ensure both our forests and our livelihoods can thrive," said Dr. Germain Mavah, Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme Coordinator at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The study draws on the largest database ever compiled on the subject, covering more than 12,000 households across 252 sites in Central Africa (Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo), highlighting the importance of collaboration and data sharing across NGOs, research institutions, community-led organizations and governments. These findings are the result of a collaboration between the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at University of Kent, the University of Stirling, the Centre for Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (CASCB) at University of Konstanz, and the Institute for Research on Tropical Ecology (IRET) in Gabon.  Analysis for this study was supported by the European Union-funded Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, which is currently running field projects in 16 countries. The initiative is implemented by a consortium of four partners, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Data was collected through the WILDMEAT project (www.wildmeat.org), which has been supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), US Agency for International Development (USAID) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). ### Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. Its four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium ) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242. Listen to the WCS Wild Audio podcast HERE.   Une nouvelle étude montre que l'augmentation de la consommation de viande de brousse en milieu urbain en Afrique centrale constitue une menace tant pour la faune sauvage que pour la sécurité alimentaire Crédit photo : © Thomas Nicolon/WCS Parmi les espèces sauvages les plus chassées du bassin du Congo, les crocodiles nains sont capturés et transportés vivants de la forêt tropicale vers les marchés de viande de brousse des métropoles. Brazzaville, République du Congo, 19 mai 2026 – Publiée dans Nature, une nouvelle étude s'appuyant sur un très large base de données recueillies dans sept pays montre une augmentation alarmante de la consommation de viande sauvage en Afrique centrale, alimentée par une forte demande des zones urbaines en constante expansion. Cette étude, menée par le CIFOR-ICRAF et co-rédigée par plusieurs chercheurs affiliés à la WCS, révèle que la biomasse annuelle totale de viande de brousse consommée en Afrique centrale est passée de 0,73 à 1,10 million de tonnes entre 2000 et 2022. La demande croissante de viande sauvage dans les zones urbaines conduit à des niveaux de chasse non durables, menaçant à la fois la faune sauvage et la sécurité alimentaire des communautés rurales. Alors que la population humaine en Afrique centrale est passée de 25 millions à 140 millions au cours du siècle dernier (dont 51 % vivant désormais en milieu urbain), la consommation humaine d’animaux sauvages menace aujourd’hui 31 % de l’ensemble des mammifères, oiseaux, reptiles et amphibiens en danger d’extinction dans la région. L’étude examine les facteurs à l'origine de cette augmentation, en particulier les facteurs socio-économiques et culturels, car la viande de brousse est souvent considérée comme un symbole de statut social, aussi jugée plus saine que la viande d'élevage ou importée, ce qui entrave le développement d'un approvisionnement en protéines d'élevage déjà très insuffisant. L'étude préconise le développement de sources de protéines abordables et durables pour les métropoles d'Afrique centrale, telles que l'élevage de volaille, tout en soulignant l'importance d’encourager simultanément des sources de revenus alternatives pour les personnes actuellement impliquées dans la chaîne de valeur de la viande sauvage. « Les conclusions publiées dans Nature reflètent une réalité à laquelle nous sommes confrontés chaque jour : la menace qui pèse sur notre faune sauvage est autant un enjeu urbain que rural. À la WCS, nous sommes convaincus qu'il est possible de protéger notre patrimoine naturel tout en renforçant la sécurité alimentaire. En associant nos campagnes à Brazzaville et à Kinshasa à un soutien aux éleveurs de volaille locaux, nous pouvons proposer des solutions pratiques, portées par les communautés, qui garantissent la prospérité tant de nos forêts que de nos moyens de subsistance », a déclaré le Dr Germain Mavah, coordinateur du programme de gestion durable de la faune sauvage (SWM) à la Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). L'étude s'appuie sur la plus grande base de données jamais compilée sur le sujet, après avoir enquêté auprès de plus de 12 000 ménages répartis sur 252 sites en Afrique centrale (Cameroun, République centrafricaine, Nigeria, Gabon, Guinée équatoriale, Congo et République démocratique du Congo), soulignant l'importance de la collaboration et du partage de données entre les ONG, les instituts de recherche, les organisations communautaires et les gouvernements. Ces résultats sont le fruit d'une collaboration entre le Centre de Recherche Forestière Internationale et le Centre International de recherche en Agroforesterie (CIFOR-ICRAF), l'Institut Durrell pour la Conservation et l'Écologie (DICE) de l'Université du Kent, l'Université de Stirling, le Centre d'études avancées sur le comportement collectif (CASCB) de l'Université de Constance et l'Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET) du Gabon.  L'analyse réalisée dans le cadre de cette étude a été soutenue par le programme de gestion durable de la faune sauvage (Sustainable Wildlife Management programme, SWM), financé par l'Union européenne, qui mène actuellement des projets sur le terrain dans 16 pays. Cette initiative est mise en œuvre par un consortium de quatre partenaires, dirigé par l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO), en collaboration avec le Centre de Recherche Forestière Internationale et le Centre International de recherche en Agroforesterie (CIFOR-ICRAF), le Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) et la Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Les données ont été collectées dans le cadre du projet WILDMEAT (www.wildmeat.org), qui a bénéficié du soutien du Service américain des pêches et de la faune sauvage (USFWS), de l'Agence américaine pour le développement international (USAID) et de l'Agence britannique pour la recherche et l'innovation (UKRI). ipayano@wcs.org Tue, 19 May 2026 13:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26200 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26183/Indonesias-Ministry-of-Forestry-and-WCS-Strengthen-Partnership-on-Biodiversity-Conservation-and-National-Park-Management.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26183 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26183&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26183/Indonesias-Ministry-of-Forestry-and-WCS-Strengthen-Partnership-on-Biodiversity-Conservation-and-National-Park-Management.aspx A Republic of Indonesia delegation visited the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo on May 13, 2026. Pictured here: Bronx Zoo’s Vice President Keith Lovett; The Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni; Bronx Zoo’s Wild Animal Keeper Joe Nappi; Interim WCS Bronx Zoo Director and WCS EVP of Zoos and Aquarium Craig Piper;  Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Winanto Adi; and Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President of the WCS Zoological Health Program New York, USA – May 13, 2026 — The Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni, accompanied by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Winanto Adi, conducted an official visit to the Bronx Zoo in the United States to strengthen international collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. During the visit, the Indonesian delegation held discussions with Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Robert G. Menzi, and senior WCS leadership in New York. Both parties reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and signed a Joint Statement to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation and national park management across Indonesia. The Joint Statement supports the Government of Indonesia’s Task Force on Innovative Financing for National Parks, established to advance effective, resilient, and financially sustainable management of protected areas. Under this initiative, WCS will continue providing technical and institutional support to four pilot national parks: Way Kambas National Park, Wakatobi National Park, Manusela National Park, and Gunung Leuser National Park. These parks represent unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity which generate critical ecosystem services for the surrounding communities. The Joint Statement also highlights the Indonesia Biodiversity Fund (IBioFund) which is positioned as a financing mechanism in support of the Task Force’s vision. Through this role, IBioFund can help direct targeted and sustainable conservation financing to strengthen national park management and reduce long-term dependence on annual state budget allocations. As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Bronx Zoo, managed by WCS, to observe how conservation can be integrated with scientific research, public education, community engagement and linking ex-situ and in-situ approaches to restore viable populations in the wild. The visit reflects the strong commitment of the Government of Indonesia and WCS to advancing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable conservation solutions for Indonesia’s globally important biodiversity. Quotes: Raja Juli Antoni -Ministry of Forestry “Indonesia’s forests and biodiversity are strategic national assets that play a vital role in environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. Through this collaboration, Indonesia seeks to strengthen concrete actions to ensure conservation efforts continue to support sustainable development and national interests. We welcome the continued partnership with WCS in advancing Indonesia’s conservation priorities and protecting our natural heritage for future generations.”  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Robert G. Menzi “WCS highly values its longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and looks forward to expanding our collaborative efforts in Indonesia. Together, we aim to advance impactful conservation initiatives that contribute to forest resilience, wildlife protection, and long-term environmental sustainability.” ###  About Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Based on Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 175 of 2024 concerning the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Forestry is the government institution responsible for administering governmental affairs in the forestry sector. Media Contact: Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia: Dr. Ristianto Pribadi, S.Hut., M.Tourism; Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and International Cooperation About WCS The Wildlife Conservation Society is a global 501 non-governmental organization, headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, with a mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, and education and inspiring people to value nature. jdagostino@wcs.org Wed, 13 May 2026 18:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26183 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26181/Bronx-Zoos-Brew-at-the-Zoo-Returns-June-12-with-Live-Music-More-Beverages-and-New-Entertainment.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26181 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26181&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26181/Bronx-Zoos-Brew-at-the-Zoo-Returns-June-12-with-Live-Music-More-Beverages-and-New-Entertainment.aspx The Bronx Zoo’s signature summer celebration returns with 60+ pouring stations, 20+ food trucks, musical entertainment, and games throughout the night. New features for 2026 include live music, an immersive glow party, chalk alley, and more. (Photo Credit: Terria Clay © WCS) BRONX, N.Y. — May 12, 2026 — Brew at the Zoo, the Bronx Zoo’s signature event for adults 21+, returns for one night only on Friday, June 12th from 6 PM - 11 PM with a dynamic lineup of beverage sampling, food trucks, interactive games, and music set throughout the zoo’s scenic grounds. Brew at the Zoo is a staple of New York’s summer season that celebrates conservation and community in a one-of-a-kind, block party atmosphere. Guests are invited to encounter awe-inspiring animals and unwind at their own pace with food and drink throughout the evening. Select animal exhibits will be open until 7:30 PM, offering the unique chance to visit favorite species at dusk. This year’s installment features 60+ pouring stations, 20+ food trucks, and 100+ beverage varieties, including wine, beer, seltzer, and non-alcoholic options. At food truck hubs, new fare for purchase will add to the night’s flavor – from Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisines to barbecue, pizza, seafood, and more. The vibrant evening will include returning favorites like inflatable axe throwing, lawn games, animal trivia, bingo, and karaoke, plus all-new entertainment and interactives: Live Music: Get into the groove with a live band and DJ programming staged throughout the park, including Latin and Afro-House sounds. Enhanced Glow Party: Explore a neon playscape featuring 360° photobooths, LED games, neon face paint, black lights, and more. Chalk Alley: Feast your eyes on 3D chalk illusions by professional artists and try your luck at interactive games. Wildlife Conservation Society members are eligible for a 20% discount on general admission tickets with code BREWCREW.Tickets are available online only and early purchase is recommended as the event is expected to sell out. Interested attendees can choose from multiple Brew at the Zoo ticket packages, including: General admission (Must be 21+) – $84.99 5 oz. commemorative souvenir cup with unlimited beer samplings Live band and DJ entertainment, games, activity areas, complimentary photo booths and select animal exhibit access from 6 PM – 7:30 PM Designated Driver (Must be 21+) – $54.95 Access to all GA perks, without consumption of alcohol Complimentary fountain soft drinks at Bronx Zoo cafes VIP Pass (Must be 21+) – $129.99 Access to all GA perks, plus express entry and exclusive lounge access VIP Drink Stations with shorter wait times VIP photo booth, swag bag, and commemorative T-shirt Complimentary snacks at all Zoo concession stands Complimentary daytime Bronx Zoo admission ticket for a future visit For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BronxZoo.com/Brew. ### jdagostino@wcs.org Tue, 12 May 2026 13:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26181 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26153/Asiatic-Wild-Ass-Returns-to-Eastern-Mongolia-After-65-Year-Absence.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26153 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26153&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26153/Asiatic-Wild-Ass-Returns-to-Eastern-Mongolia-After-65-Year-Absence.aspx ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, May 1, 2026 — The Asiatic wild ass, known locally as khulan (Equus hemionus), has returned to eastern Mongolia and is showing clear signs of re-establishing a population after more than 65 years of absence from the region. Findings published this Month in the journal Oryx show that khulan are now regularly present in multiple groups east of the Trans-Mongolian Railway (TMR). For decades, fencing along the railway has restricted movement of khulan and other migratory species. Recent efforts to create safe crossing points are now allowing animals to move more freely across this barrier. Maintaining connectivity across this landscape is critical for khulan, allowing them to move between seasonal grazing areas and water sources in a highly variable and arid environment, and supporting the broader functioning and resilience of Mongolia’s steppe ecosystem.  Collaborative efforts between WCS and Mongolian government partners have addressed this challenge through several targeted interventions, including testing of temporary unfenced sections along the railway and the formal designation in May 2025 of a monitored “safe passage” zone near the China–Mongolia border kept free of fencing.  Together, these measures appear to be helping khulan cross the railway, including during winter. Monitoring shows that crossings occurred in recent years, and follow-up surveys have since recorded hundreds of khulan on the eastern side. This suggests that khulan are not only passing through, but beginning to re-establish in the region. Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar, WCS Senior Scientist and lead author of the study, explained, “Documenting khulan crossing this long-standing barrier and beginning to re-establish in their former range represents an extraordinary conservation breakthrough. It demonstrates that restoring connectivity in fragmented landscapes can support population recovery for wide-ranging species.” The Mongolian Gobi supports the world’s largest khulan population—approximately 91,000 animals, more than 84 percent of the global total. The species nevertheless faces ongoing threats from habitat fragmentation, competition with livestock, illegal hunting, and climate change. As one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial mammals, khulan require extensive, connected habitats to persist in Mongolia’s variable climate. “The return of khulan to eastern Mongolia reflects years of collaborative work with provincial authorities, border protection agencies, and railway managers, as well as careful testing of temporary fence gaps that showed wildlife could cross safely without increasing train collisions,” said Justine Shanti Alexander, WCS Mongolia Country Director. Plans are advancing for a new local protected area east of the railway to support long-term habitat security and khulan recolonization. WCS Temperate Asia Regional Director Jonathan Slaght highlights, “Addressing the fragmentation caused by the railway will not only support the recovery of khulan but also strengthen resilience for other migratory wildlife facing mounting pressures from infrastructure development and climate change.” [NOTE: In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, provincial and soum-level governments, and border protection authorities, WCS has advanced wildlife connectivity and khulan recolonization in eastern Mongolia through the vital support of several key partners. We thank Foundation Segre, which funded safe passage and landscape connectivity across the Trans-Mongolian Railway. We also acknowledge Sustainability East Asia and Oyu Tolgoi LLC, whose long-term support underpinned years of khulan research, monitoring, and conservation efforts. We further recognize the ongoing efforts of provincial agencies, local communities, and partners contributing to monitoring and conservation of the khulan across Mongolia.] ### Wildlife Conservation Society Mongolia Program The Wildlife Conservation Society Mongolia Program leverages scientific research, policy advocacy and community-driven conservation to protect the vast, intact ecosystems of the Eastern Steppe, the Gobi Desert, and the Khangai Mountains. Since officially establishing its presence in 2003, WCS Mongolia has served as a key technical partner to the Government of Mongolia, local pastoralist communities, and civil society to safeguard iconic species such as the Saiga antelope, Mongolian gazelle, goitered gazelle, khulan (wild ass), and snow leopard.Through its commitment to science-based solutions, WCS Mongolia ensures that the nation’s unique natural heritage and nomadic traditions endure for future generations. Visit: mongolia.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSMongolia. For more information: +976 11 323719. ipayano@wcs.org Fri, 01 May 2026 12:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26153 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26150/WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Rehabilitates-Trafficked-Keel-Billed-Toucans.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26150 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26150&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26150/WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Rehabilitates-Trafficked-Keel-Billed-Toucans.aspx Bronx, NY, April 30, 2026, — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has successfully rehabilitated fourteen trafficked juvenile keel-billed toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus) following their confiscation by federal authorities.  WCS’s Bronx Zoo staff assisted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with the rescue of these birds; 10 males and four females, all three- to four months old. The toucans had originally been confiscated at the United States-Mexico border, at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California, after authorities discovered them hidden in the dashboard of a vehicle. The birds had been sedated, bound to restrict movement and noise, and were in extremely poor condition upon rescue. Keel-billed toucans are protected by the Wild Bird Conservation Act, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as Appendix II species. These birds are unfortunately in demand in the global pet trade. Upon arrival at the Bronx Zoo on July 31, 2025, all fourteen toucans showed signs of malnutrition, severe stress, and metabolic issues. Through a coordinated effort between the Bronx Zoo’s Ornithology and Zoological Health Departments, the birds received specialized care and rehabilitation over several months. “These toucans arrived in a severely compromised state after enduring stressful and inhumane conditions during illegal transport,” said Chuck Cerbini, Curator of Ornithology at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo. “Thanks to the dedication of our animal care and veterinary teams, we were able to stabilize and rehabilitate them. This case highlights both the harm and cruelty of wildlife trafficking and the critical role accredited zoos play in giving rescued wildlife a second chance while supporting long-term conservation efforts.” Following their recovery, the Bronx Zoo collaborated with an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® program to determine appropriate long-term placements. Ten of the toucans were transferred to AZA accredited institutions where they will now contribute to conservation breeding and education programs. For multiple reasons, it is not possible to return birds that have been subject to these conditions to the wild. Four of the rehabilitated toucans, two of which have recovered from fractured legs due to the effects of malnutrition, will remain at the Bronx Zoo. Two of these birds, both males, can be visited in the World of Birds. The other two are off-exhibit and are a future breeding pair. Said Craig Piper, Interim Director of the Bronx Zoo and Executive Vice President of WCS Zoos and Aquarium: “This rescue underscores the ongoing threat of wildlife trafficking and the importance of partnerships among federal agencies, accredited zoos, and conservation organizations in protecting vulnerable species.”  Said Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President, International Policy, “This highlights the ongoing problem of illegal trade in live wildlife for the global pet trade, which harms species’ populations in the wild, undermines the rule of law, and harms the conservation programs of countries where the species are native. Effectively housing and caring for seized animals such as these toucans is vital and it is also critical to prevent the crime in the first place and curb demand for these amazing animals.” Keel-billed toucans, native to tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, are listed by IUCN as Near Threatened. They are threatened by multiple factors, including capture for the pet trade and deforestation. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning its trade is strictly regulated. In addition to these rehabilitation efforts, WCS is working across the toucan's range to protect nature strongholds in Mexico, Central America, and South America, and to stop wildlife poaching at the source. Said Sara Walker, Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums: “The work of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo to rehabilitate these toucans is a testament to the skill and dedication of their veterinary and animal care teams. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscations Network supports law enforcement at the point of confiscation, helps guide animals through recovery, and coordinates placement across vetted facilities when they cannot be returned to the wild. Over the past three years, the Network has helped place more than 4,000 animals. While not every case has a happy outcome like this, we’re thrilled to see these toucans healthy and now placed across seven AZA-accredited institutions—reflecting the coordination across a broader network of partners.” The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act (H.R. 3835) is bipartisan legislation that would ensure confiscated wildlife are placed with qualified animal care facilities, while allowing state and federal officers to focus on holding traffickers accountable. ### The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo The WCS Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet. Members of the media should contact mdixon@wcs.org (+1 (347) 840-1242) for more information or with questions. ipayano@wcs.org Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26150 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26135/The-Pawanka-Fund-and-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Release-Report-from-the-Third-Conservation-and-Human-Rights-Forum.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26135 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26135&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26135/The-Pawanka-Fund-and-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Release-Report-from-the-Third-Conservation-and-Human-Rights-Forum.aspx Bronx, NY, 28 April 2026—The Third Conservation and Human Rights Forum today released a new report. The report captures discussions that reflect a shift from basic human rights awareness toward locally defined priorities, greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge, and improvements to financial and governance systems. It also highlights the need for stronger accountability from governments and private sector actors, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Forum co-chairs Dr. Myrna Cunningham Kain and Sushil Raj emphasized the importance of advancing self-determination and working collaboratively to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and human rights violations. “Through these forums we are reimagining what conservation could look like, even as Indigenous Peoples are confronting a lot of complex challenges,” said Edna Kaptoyo of the Pawanka Fund. “For Indigenous Peoples innovation could be revitalizing. Strengthening new governance models can lead to new initiatives and new ways of impact to support nature.” The third Forum brought together Indigenous Peoples (IPs), people of African descent (PAD), local communities (LCs), conservation organizations, and donors to move beyond “inclusive conservation” as a concept and focus on practical implementation. Discussions highlighted the importance of co-design, collaboration, and shared approaches across the conservation sector, while recognizing the challenges and differences involved. The link between protecting nature and protecting people remained central. Discussions also examined the roles of people of African descent, caste-affected groups, and women in conservation, with a focus on closing gender gaps and supporting restoration efforts that are responsive to local needs. The report concludes with practical recommendations to improve conservation funding, strengthen human rights and land tenure, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, and support gender equality and leadership. ### nMoss@wcs.org Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26135 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26130/Global-Health-Experts-Urge-Urgent-Action-to-Prevent-Future-Pandemics-Where-They-Begin.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26130 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26130&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26130/Global-Health-Experts-Urge-Urgent-Action-to-Prevent-Future-Pandemics-Where-They-Begin.aspx [Above photo: In partnership with local governments across Central Africa, WCS set up an early warning system for Ebola, working with traditional hunters, forest communities, and rangers to raise awareness and promote best practices in zoonotic risk reduction, and to monitor wildlife health through sampling and a carcass monitoring network. Photo credit: A. Ondzie ©️WCS.] BRONX, NY, April 27, 2026—A new paper published in The Lancet calls on governments to prioritize preventing zoonotic disease spillover—the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans—as a central pillar of global pandemic preparedness. The authors argue that while global efforts since COVID-19 have focused heavily on surveillance, vaccines, and emergency response, far less attention—and funding—has been directed toward stopping outbreaks before they begin. “This paper makes clear that pandemic prevention must start long before the first human case is detected,” said Chris Walzer, Executive Director of Health at WCS. “We have the scientific understanding to reduce spillover risk—by protecting ecosystems, regulating wildlife trade, and improving how livestock and people interact with nature. The challenge now is political will and sustained investment.” The paper in Lancet looks ahead to the 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, to be held at UN Headquarters in New York during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in September 2026, when heads of state and government convene to shape global health priorities. Spillover events, which give rise to diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and avian influenza, are driven by a combination of environmental degradation, wildlife trade, agricultural expansion, and close contact between people, livestock, and wildlife. The paper emphasizes that reducing these risks at their source is both more effective and more cost-efficient than responding after a pathogen has already spread. In tropical forest regions such as the Amazon Basin—where deforestation, road expansion, and agricultural encroachment are increasing contact between people and wildlife—these dynamics are already playing out, heightening the risk of disease emergence in landscapes where WCS works closely with governments and communities to protect ecosystems and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The authors call for governments to elevate spillover prevention in international policy frameworks, including by integrating it into national health strategies, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and investing in measures that reduce high-risk human-animal interactions. The paper highlights the importance of a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It calls for coordinated action across sectors—including public health, conservation, agriculture, and finance—to address the underlying drivers of disease emergence. For the Wildlife Conservation Society, which works at the intersection of wildlife health, ecosystem integrity, and human well-being in more than 50 countries, the findings reinforce the need to address pandemic risk at its ecological roots. “Too often, pandemic preparedness is framed as a response problem,” Walzer added. “But if we fail to invest in prevention—reducing deforestation, managing wildlife trade, and supporting communities at the human-wildlife interface—we will continue to face the same cycle of crisis and response.” The paper also identifies the 2026 UN High-Level Meeting—set to take place at UN Headquarters in New York during the September General Assembly High-Level Week—as a pivotal moment for governments to adopt concrete, measurable commitments on spillover prevention, alongside financing mechanisms, stronger governance, and accountability frameworks. Experts say that without a meaningful shift toward prevention, the world will remain vulnerable to future pandemics that could rival or exceed the impacts of COVID-19. ### ipayano@wcs.org Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26130 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26125/More-Than-5700-Participate-in-the-18th-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild.aspx#Comments 0 https://newsroom.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13614&ModuleID=28242&ArticleID=26125 https://newsroom.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26125&PortalID=164&TabID=13614 https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26125/More-Than-5700-Participate-in-the-18th-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild.aspx BRONX, NY, April 25, 2026 — More than 5,700 runners and walkers made tracks today to support the conservation of Endangered red pandas at the WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s run, in its 18th year, was sponsored by Montefiore Einstein. Thousands of participants join the fun annually to broaden awareness of the threats facing wildlife and to help raise funds that support WCS’s global conservation efforts. Since the run debuted at the Bronx Zoo in 2009, more than 90,000 people have participated. This year’s WCS Run for the Wild was dedicated to the Endangered red panda. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo can see red pandas at the Himalayan Highlands and Wild Asia Monorail exhibits. Winners of the 5K race today were: Men’s category: First place: Tyler Perry from Haverstraw, NY Second place: Ryan McNeilly from Rutherford, NJ Third Place: Matthew Box from West Bramwich, UK Women’s category: First place: Sophie Cheesman from Alpine NJ Second place: Jade Quevedo from Troy, NY Third Place: Emily Hunt from New Milford, NJ After the 5K and 3K events, participants enjoyed all-day admission to the Bronx Zoo, featuring 11,000 animals from around the globe and free access to all rides and attractions across the 265-acre park. Post-run entertainment included ZUMBA® instruction, interactive wildlife characters, music, games, face painting, and more. drosen@wcs.org Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26125