BRONX, N.Y. — March 18, 2026 — Calling all runners, walkers, and wildlife advocates: registration is now open for the Bronx Zoo’s 18th annual WCS Run for the Wild, to be held on Saturday, April 25 at the Bronx Zoo.

This year’s WCS Run for the Wild is dedicated to the Endangered red panda and will support the WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Register here to participate in the 18th annual WCS Run for the Wild now and help make tracks for red pandas.

Each year, over 5,000 participants join the fun to raise awareness of the threats facing wildlife and help raise funds to support WCS’s conservation efforts. Entry grants participants 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.

Red pandas can be seen in the Bronx Zoo’s Himalayan Highlands and Wild Asia Monorail exhibits. Native to the Himalayas and southwestern China, the species is known for its long bushy tail, dense two-layered russet fur, and white facial markings. Red pandas face severe threats from habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber, fuel, and agricultural use. They are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is estimated that there are fewer than 2,500 red pandas remaining in the wild.

Plan Your Participation in the 18th Annual WCS Run for the Wild

Schedule: The festivities will kick off with a 5K race for individual runners at 8:00 a.m. Casual runners and walkers can take part in the 3K family fun run/walk at 9:00 a.m.

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

  • Free parking and all-day admission to the Bronx Zoo, with access to all rides and attractions including opening day of the Wild Asia Monorail
  • A 2026 WCS Run for the Wild T-shirt featuring a custom print of the beloved red panda
  • An exclusive 2026 WCS Run for the Wild race medal
  • Post-run entertainment including ZUMBA® instruction, interactive wildlife characters, fun-for-all photo booths, a community mural wall, music, games, face painting, and more

Prizes: Participants can earn limited edition prizes through fundraising. This year, the lineup includes a red panda themed plush; WCS Run for the Wild themed travel mug, socks, stickers, and blanket; and a gift certificate for the Bronx Zoo’s Wild Encounters program, which allows guests to get up close with ambassador animals to learn more about some of the fascinating species WCS works to protect.

WCS Run for the Wild is sponsored by Montefiore Einstein.

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