(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: Terria Clay @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 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. 

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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