The following is an excerpt of testimony to be given today in favor of H 1275, which would help shut down the illegal trade in ivory. The testimony will be presented by Christine Manto, WCS Manager of Government and Community Affairs, before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

October 20, 2015 – For the 235^th time, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has inducted its newest class of members. One of the nation’s oldest learned societies and independent research centers, the Academy includes among this year’s 147 inductees prominent scientists, artists, literary figures, and leaders of academic, business, philanthropic, and cultural institutions from across the United States and internationally.

Oct. 19, 2015 – WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Queens Zoo has successfully bred rare New England cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus transitionalis) for introduction to their native New England states as part of a collaborative effort to boost the wild population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the New England cottontail as Vulnerable

Oct. 16, 2015 - Highlights include face-painting, crafts, pumpkin treats for the zoos’ animals, and much more.

October 15, 2015 – Myanmar’s protected areas are facing critical funding shortages, with several unable to cover the costs of essential equipment, maintenance, and operational activities, in addition to needing more dedicated staff with increased technical capacities.

October 14, 2015 - Two WCS Co-authored papers: Protected areas and poverty; and Guiding principles for evaluating the impacts of conservation interventions on human well-being.

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Oct. 8, 2015– Halloween fun awaits at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) New York Aquarium Ascarium weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New York – Oct. 8, 2015 – Boo at the Zoo, New York City’s go-to family-friendly Halloween destination returns to WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo for five weekends in October. This year’s Boo at the Zoo activities are themed around animal behaviors and “Mystery and Mischief” of the world of wildlife. Boo at the Zoo: Mystery and Mischief runs through Nov. 1. All attractions and activities will embrace the spirit of the season while highlighting wildlife and conservation. Annual favorites including the hay maze, giant pumpkin carving demos, costume parades, magic and more will return with some additional Halloween surprises.

 

October 7, 2015 – WCS today unveiled its WCS: 2020 strategic plan, supported by a new WCS.org website and brand identity, with the goal to conserve the world's largest wild places in 15 priority regions, home to more than 50 percent of the world's biodiversity.

NEW YORK (October 6, 2015)—The Government of Chile announced today at the Our Oceans Summit in Valparaiso its plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for the purpose of safeguarding Patagonia’s whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and other coastal biodiversity, an initiative that would expand the country’s protected waters by 100,000 square kilometers (more than 38,000 square miles).