Campaign Updates

Fascinating Frogs

March 14, 2024

It’s almost World Frog Day and there’s no better way to celebrate these wonderfully diverse amphibians than learning something new.

International Polar Bear Day

February 23, 2024

The more you know, the more you can help—so we challenge you to find out how much you really know about polar bears!

Our 17 Favorite Wildlife Images of 2023

December 29, 2023

With your support, we were able to accomplish so much in 2023. Here are our favorite photos shared this past year.

Five Fascinating Reindeer Facts

December 20, 2023

It’s the holiday season! What better time to learn about reindeer—also known as caribou in North America.

Halloween Quiz: Test your bat knowledge!

October 27, 2023

Despite being misunderstood, bats are extraordinary little creatures. Test your Bat IQ by taking our quiz now!

International Sloth Day

October 20, 2023

Take our quiz and test your sloth knowledge.

International Red Panda Day

September 16, 2023

Test your red panda knowledge with a quiz.

Support USFICA

September 16, 2023

The bill is critical for the enduring success of conservation programs around the world.

What on Earth is important to you?

August 7, 2023

Take the survey.

International Tiger Day

July 21, 2023

White Sharks Get a Bad Rap

July 11, 2023

What's the reality in New York waters?

How much do you know about the wildlife at our zoos?

June 9, 2023

Put your wildlife IQ to the test. Take our 6-question quiz now!

WCS launches groundbreaking A.I. tool for our oceans

June 2, 2023

A new algorithm could level the playing field for historically “data poor” fisheries, ensuring they can continue to provide crucial livelihoods and nutrition.

Meet the New WCS President and CEO

June 1, 2023

"I know the challenge is daunting but I believe we can do it." Monica Medina on her new leadership role at WCS.

Why World Migratory Bird Day Is Important to Celebrate

May 12, 2023

For World Migratory Bird Day, we asked WCS's Dr. Anna Lello-Smith to help us understand the importance of migratory birds.

Quiz: Test your bird conservation knowledge

May 8, 2023

5 Fun Frog Facts

March 14, 2023

Quiz: Test your Arctic knowledge!

February 22, 2023

How much do you really know about the Arctic?

Our Favorite Wildlife Images of 2022

December 31, 2022

Thank You

November 23, 2022

National Bison Day Quiz

November 5, 2022

Updates on COVID-19 Coronavirus

October 21, 2022

Get all of the latest WCS reports, news, and commentary related to the pandemic.

Voices of African Forest Elephants

April 29, 2022

Celebrating World Frog Day

March 20, 2022

The Year of the Tiger

January 31, 2022

Wildlife Pics and Stories from 2021

December 20, 2021

10 Reasons To Thank Nature

November 24, 2021

Thank You

November 24, 2021

Report: The State of Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ Lands and Territories

June 17, 2021

It demonstrates how global biodiversity goals are unattainable without the full recognition of the land and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

WCS Policy: Preventing Epidemics and Pandemics of Zoonotic Origin

June 9, 2021

The role of wild meat markets and wildlife trade.

Take a 360-Degree Coral Reef Tour

June 8, 2021

Navigate coral reefs off Tanzania with the touch of your mouse. The reefs there have unique fish and coral species that make them a global priority for conservation.

The Polar Bear is Not Alone

May 12, 2021

The poster child for climate change has company.

Earth Day 2021

April 22, 2021

World Frog Day

March 19, 2021

Did you know there over 6,000 frog species out there, each with distinctive coloring, habitat, and defenses?

Our Favorite Global Marine Conservation Stories from 2020

December 30, 2020

Our Favorite Photos of 2020

December 22, 2020

WCS Issues Report on One Health in Action

November 17, 2020

Bat Week: 10 Reasons to Appreciate Bats

October 26, 2020

First-ever images of their kind: The world’s rarest gorilla, adults and infants

August 18, 2020

Cross River Gorilla were once feared extinct in Nigeria. Now they number only about 300. But this is a positive sign for their future.

Shark Week

August 14, 2020

This week, we will showcase how a range of WCS marine programs are tackling the crisis facing the world’s sharks based on scientific advice supported by our own and the wider communities’ research.

WCS teams around the globe helping Communities in the time of COVID-19

July 16, 2020

WCS Issues Report on Official Development Assistance

June 29, 2020

WCS Issues Report on COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples

June 29, 2020

WCS Issues Report on Urban Bushmeat Consumption and Infectious Disease

June 3, 2020

A Reliable Way to Survey Lions

May 29, 2020

The first peer-reviewed study from Kenya's national lion survey is out and it's important.

WCS Issues Report on Links Between Ecological Integrity and Human Health

May 22, 2020

Earth Day 2020

April 22, 2020

WCS Issues Policy on Reducing Risk of Future Zoonotic Pandemics

March 28, 2020

To prevent future major viral outbreaks, we recommend stopping all commercial trade in wildlife for human consumption and closing all such markets.

We Need You

March 17, 2020

"The Wildlife Conservation Society is dedicated to carrying on with our important work—thanks to your steadfast support," says WCS President and CEO Cristián Samper.

Camera traps in trees?

March 5, 2020

Scientists combine arboreal camera traps, set high in the canopy, with standard survey methods for more accurate wildlife counts.

World Wildlife Day

March 3, 2020

This year, it's all about biodiversity. Get the latest from all of WCS's digital channels.

Belize Passes Fisheries Bill

January 21, 2020

WCS Belize Country Director Nicole Auil Gomez expressed delight at "the dawn of a modern, holistic fisheries legislation that embraces ecosystem principles, stakeholder inclusion and more."

Penguin Colony Discovered

January 20, 2020

A new Magellanic penguin colony has been found on an island in southern Argentina. It adds to the growing list of 50-plus known colonies of these birds.

Top Photos of 2019

December 30, 2019

A white bison and a new frog are among our choices for the best photos (and stories) of 2019.

New Protected Area in Afghanistan

November 21, 2019

Bamyan Plateau Protected Area has breathtaking vistas and an abundance of species, Including the rare and iconic Persian leopard and the Afghan snowfinch.

GPS/Satellite Collars Help Protect Elephants

October 9, 2019

Over the past two months, WCS fitted six elephants with GPS/satellite collars in Nigeria’s Yankari Game Reserve.

New Protected Area in Bolivia

July 10, 2019

Rhukanrhuka Municipal protected area comprises more than 3,318 square miles, almost as large as Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

No Poaching in Niassa

June 18, 2019

It's been 12 months since an elephant was poached in the massive reserve in Mozambique, a remarkable turnaround from a few years ago.

World Turtle Day

May 23, 2019

In honor of the day, 200 endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtles will be released in Cambodia.

A Game Plan to Get Girls Excited About Science

April 26, 2019

"We want to create a cultural shift in the way people see women in STEM," says Nicole Small, CEO of Lyda Hill Philanthropies and co-founder of IF/THEN.

Celebrating the Spring

April 22, 2019

PBS Nature is celebrating nature's "great outdoor party" with a special live, three-night event.

Deer Diagnosed

April 17, 2019

Scientists report the first cases of foot disease for endangered huemul deer in Chilean Patagonia.

Old Math Counts More Apes

April 5, 2019

Scientists trying to count critically endangered Bornean orangutans in the Malaysian state of Sarawak are getting some help from a mathematical theorem formulated in the 1700s.

Small Tortoise, Big Comeback

April 5, 2019

Although once considered ecologically extinct in the wild, the Burmese star tortoise population has grown to more than 14,000 individuals in Myanmar.

Translocated Zebras Are Flourishing

March 19, 2019

The latest from the Southern Highlands, where the animals were reintroduced last October.

Chimps Are Losing Their Culture, Study Says

March 7, 2019

Tool use and unique social groups are disappearing due to human disturbance, says the paper, co-authored by WCS.

Belgian Senate Calls for a Strong EU Ivory Ban

February 22, 2019

In recent months, momentum has been growing in Europe to end the trade and help African elephants recover.

9 for '19

February 13, 2019

Thanks to conservation action, things are looking up for these species in the coming year, WCS scientists say.

Rare Footage Shows Jaguar Swimming Through Lagoon

February 7, 2019

WCS is currently supporting local efforts to get the lagoon formal protected and managed status.

The (Felicitous) Future of Conservation

January 10, 2019

WCS's Joe Walston on the enormous trends that offer a light at the end of the tunnel for the planet's wildlife.

Top 10 Photos of 2018

December 20, 2018

Check out some of our favorite images (and stories) from the past year in conservation.

Argentina Creates Two Massive Marine Parks

December 12, 2018

Yaganes and Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank II now protect habitat and critical feeding grounds for penguins, sea lions, fur seals, sharks and rays, cold-water corals, mollusks, sponges, and more.

Elephant Poachers Convicted in Congo

December 3, 2018

Prior to their arrest, the group had killed four elephants on the periphery of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park.

News to Be Thankful For

November 21, 2018

From re-introductions to new protections, eight wildlife stories will give you hope.

An Indigenous Tribe Looks to Protect Its Forest

November 15, 2018

WCS will assist the group in establishing the protected area, bringing hunting and harvesting to sustainable levels, and developing local livelihood initiatives, among other things.

Going, Going ...

November 1, 2018

Just 23% of the world's remaining land mass is wilderness, a new paper in Nature says.

The Our Ocean Conference

October 26, 2018

Jason Patlis, WCS Executive Director of Marine Conservation, on why it's important and what the organization hopes to accomplish.

Full of Life

October 25, 2018

WCS marine scientists are enjoying a banner year for marine life off New York.

Zebras Return to Tanzanian Highlands After Nearly 50 Years

October 19, 2018

Twenty-four were released into Kitulo National Park as part of a bold effort to re-wild this once pristine landscape.

The Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference

October 9, 2018

What are WCS's priorities for this important week? Details from Vice President for International Policy, Susan Lieberman.

WCS at the Global Climate Action Summit

September 11, 2018

An important opportunity to catalyze action to fight climate change.

A Conservation Success for Pronghorn

August 15, 2018

Structures built to get them safely over roadways are working, says a new study.

Just 13% of the World's Oceans are "Wilderness," Study Says

July 26, 2018

Most remaining wilderness is unprotected, too, leaving it vulnerable to being lost.

New Regulations Would Weaken Endangered Species Act

July 19, 2018

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are putting roadblocks in front of effective management.

Rare Cat

July 13, 2018

There are only 84 highly endangered Amur leopards left in the wild, says a new study.

Wild Seve Celebrates 10,000 Cases

July 9, 2018

The WCS program helps farmers in India recoup losses from tigers, leopards, elephants, and more, while preventing retribution killings.

WCS New York Aquarium Opens Ocean Wonders: Sharks! Exhibit

June 30, 2018

The exhibit, which opens to the public on Saturday, June 30, will drive awareness of the importance of sharks to the ocean's health.

Planning for Coral Reef Conservation

June 27, 2018

Scientists have developed an approach to identify coral reefs with the best opportunity to survive climate change.

WCS Criticizes the Elimination of U.S. National Ocean Policy

June 20, 2018

"At a time of renewed public awareness of the importance and fragility of our ocean, the U.S. needs to advance policies to protect the health of our oceans."

We've Launched a Campaign to Support the NYC Plastic Straw Bill

May 23, 2018

Learn more about Give a Sip and how you can take action with us.

Massive Study Shows More Gorillas and Chimps Than Expected

April 24, 2018

But more than 80% are at risk, found outside protected areas.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

April 23, 2018

A new WCS paper provides hope for the world's wildlife and wild places.

The UK Announces Ivory Ban

April 3, 2018

“Today, elephant conservation received a tremendous boost,” said WCS President and CEO Cristián Samper.

The Need to Protect Intact Forests

February 26, 2018

New study says we may fall short of our international conservation goals without protecting them.

Three Poachers Sentenced in the Republic of Congo

February 23, 2018

They were responsible for slaughtering 11 elephants in and around Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in January.

On the Killing of Three Conservation Heroes in Cambodia

February 1, 2018

A statement on the January 30 incident in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.

It's now illegal to process or sell elephant ivory in China

January 1, 2018

"This is one of the most important pieces of a puzzle needed to save Africa’s elephants from extinction."

The DRC Says It Will Stop Exporting African Grey Parrots

December 15, 2017

It had been the only African country to exempt itself from prohibitions on trading the birds.

New Tracking Data, Important Insights, and New Questions in Whale Mystery

November 28, 2017

New data still doesn't explain why so many Southern right whales are dying.

Senate Passes Bison Day Resolution

November 1, 2017

The National Mammal will be recognized this Saturday, November 4.

Don't Drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

October 2, 2017

The Senate Budget Committee's Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution intentionally opens up a pathway. And once drilling starts, it can never be taken back.

Snow Leopards Get Upgraded

September 14, 2017

The elusive big cats are moving from "endangered" to "vulnerable." Scientists urge caution, though.

A Statement for Elephants at the Ivory Crush in New York

August 3, 2017

"We won’t stand for the slaughter of elephants," said WCS's John Calvelli.

Tackle Climate Change and Save a Rich Wilderness

June 15, 2017

WCS is partnering with Cool Effect to save Madagascar's Makira Natural Park.

Seismic Ocean Surveys & Drilling Could Harm Whales

June 5, 2017

"We are deeply concerned about the effects that the enormous amount of seismic airgun activity would have on marine life."

Gabon Announces Marine Protected Area Network at UN Ocean Conference

June 5, 2017

We also announced The Tiffany & Co. Foundation’s $1 million dollar grant towards our Marine Protected Area (MPA) Fund.

Notorious Elephant Poacher Sentenced

June 2, 2017

It’s a significant step forward for Congo’s justice system and for forest elephant conservation in Central Africa.

Unified Action on Climate Change Needed

June 1, 2017

WCS President and CEO Cristian Samper on the news of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

Conflict Minerals: Deadly for Great Apes

May 26, 2017

Mining for conflict minerals in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a major driving factor in the illegal hunting of Grauer’s gorillas and other wildlife.

Cuts to U.S. Foreign Aid Would Devastate Wildlife

May 23, 2017

The aid is vital to programs that help countries conserve their natural resources, protect endangered wildlife, and more.

Executive Order Threatens Wildlife

April 28, 2017

The measure could expose fragile offshore areas to oil and gas drilling and seismic impacts.

Superhighway Moved Further

April 26, 2017

This shift effectively spares the rainforest habitat so important to wildlife and local communities.

March for Science

April 25, 2017

On Earth Day, we made a strong statement at events around the globe.

Superhighway Rerouted

March 24, 2017

Nigerian officials verbally agreed to move it away from some valuable forest, but much habitat is still in danger.

Five Things You Can Do For Wildlife

March 3, 2017

To celebrate World Wildlife Day 2017, check out our list of 5 things you can do right now to help wildlife.

NOAA Moves Hudson Canyon Nomination Ahead

February 22, 2017

The Hudson Canyon is a national treasure – an underwater version of the Grand Canyon – and should be a National Marine Sanctuary.

Plans for the Nigerian Superhighway Have Been Scaled Back

February 16, 2017

The move to cancel the 12-mile buffer on either side of the road is big but more needs to be done.

Battling a Virus to Save Saiga

February 9, 2017

Scientists and local officials are rushing to stop a devastating outbreak.

A Wildlife-Snaring Crisis in Asian Forests

January 20, 2017

Cheaply constructed, snares are the predominant hunting method there and kill indiscriminately.

U.S. Government Denies Seismic Survey Permits in the Atlantic

January 6, 2017

The noise and associated impacts from these could have been a tipping point for North Atlantic right whales.

A Threat to the Forest and the Community

January 4, 2017

The leader of an indigenous Nigerian community speaks on a proposed superhighway.

China Will Shut Down Its Domestic Ivory Market in 2017

December 30, 2016

The move had been announced last year but lacked a timeline until today.

Cheetah Numbers Crash

December 26, 2016

According to a new study, there are only about 7,100 cheetahs left in the world.

New Protected Area Created in the Democratic Republic of Congo

December 21, 2016

The Kabobo Natural Reserve, established today, covers an area larger than New York City and contains a number of unique species.

President Obama Protects Offshore Areas from Drilling

December 21, 2016

The decision will protect parts of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, including Hudson Canyon off the coast of New York.

Campaign Delivers 100,000 Signatures to Nigerian Ambassador

December 14, 2016

The petition is to stop or reroute a superhighway that would clear a 162-mile-long, 12-mile-wide swath through the forest.

A New Ocean Action Plan

December 12, 2016

The White House's National Ocean Council has taken an important step towards sustainable usage of the New York City area’s local ocean.

Critically Endangered Bird Threatened by Proposed Power Line

December 9, 2016

There are fewer than 800 Bengal floricans left in the world.

Melville Keeps Detecting Right Whale Calls

November 30, 2016

Since we first detected the highly endangered animal, the buoy has continued to pick up its sounds.

Hudson Canyon Nominated as Marine Sanctuary

November 18, 2016

Sanctuary status would not only protect wildlife from oil and gas exploration, but also help sustain the fishing and tourism industries.

Melville Hears a Right Whale

November 16, 2016

Our acoustic buoy has made the first near real-time detection of this rare whale in New York waters.

Dramatic Disruptions Seen from Climate Change

November 10, 2016

A new study says every aspect of life on Earth, from tiny genes to entire ecosystems, is being impacted.

Celebrate National Bison Day

November 3, 2016

It's the first since the bison was declared the U.S.'s National Mammal.

President Obama Has Signed the END Wildlife Trafficking Act

October 7, 2016

The bill will provide more resources to protect wildlife around the world.

Shark and Ray Species Get Added Protections

October 4, 2016

New international trade restrictions will ensure exports are sustainable and legal.

A Strong Stand for Elephants at CITES

October 2, 2016

What does it mean in real terms?

Pangolins Get New Protections at CITES

September 28, 2016

The decision to move them to Appendix I means a total ban on trade

The END Wildlife Trafficking Act Passes the House

September 21, 2016

The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.

National Bison Day is November 5

September 21, 2016

It's a particularly good year to celebrate bison, our new National Mammal.

U.S. Senate Passes the END Wildlife Trafficking Act

September 16, 2016

The bill represents progress on the strengthening of U.S. laws to target wildlife traffickers.

Study: A Tenth of Wilderness Lost Since 1990s

September 13, 2016

The findings underscore an immediate need for international policies to recognize the value of wilderness areas.

Call to Close Domestic Ivory Markets

September 10, 2016

The vote at the IUCN World Conservation Congress comes amid continuing bad news for Africa's elephants.

Grauer's Gorillas Considered Critically Endangered

September 4, 2016

The new designation follows a report earlier this year released by WCS and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) that showed a shocking collapse of its numbers.

Organized Poaching Decimating Madagascar's Sea Turtles

September 1, 2016

The hunting, which has been around at low levels, appears to be spiking of late.

WCS Scientists to Study Sharks in New York

August 11, 2016

The partnership with OCEARCH will focus on three species known to frequent the area.

Guns, Nets, and Bulldozers

August 10, 2016

Three quarters of the world’s threatened species are imperiled by agriculture, land conversion, and overharvesting.

Buoy Detects First Whale

July 28, 2016

The first confirmed detection was of a fin whale, the second-largest species on the planet.

WCS Scientists Listening for Whales off NYC

June 27, 2016

A real-time acoustic buoy launched by WCS’s New York Aquarium and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is being used for the first time.

One of Africa's Most Biodiverse Regions Now Protected

June 24, 2016

At least 53 globally threatened species are found in Itombwe.

Congress Has Introduced Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2016

June 23, 2016

Currently, a quarter of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction worldwide.

In One Area, Grauer's Gorilla Numbers Have Increased

June 16, 2016

A sector of Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a success thanks to, among other things, significant conservation resources and boots-on-the-ground efforts.

Singapore Joins Movement to Crush Ivory Trade

June 14, 2016

A public ivory crush is a first for Singapore but follows similar actions by more than 20 countries since 1989.

Ivory Trade Banned in the U.S.

June 2, 2016

Following an executive order in 2013 to combat wildlife trafficking, the Obama Administration has announced a near-total ban on ivory.

President Obama Makes the American Bison the Official National Mammal

May 9, 2016

The National Bison Legacy Act had passed through Congress in late April.

Kenya Sends a Clear Message

April 30, 2016

The country made a powerful statement for elephants by burning over 100 tons of ivory.

Bison is the U.S.'s Official National Mammal Says Congress

April 28, 2016

A great milestone for an animal that has played a central role in America's history and culture.

Endangered Right Whales Threatened by Seismic Surveys

April 14, 2016

The tests, planned for the waters between Delaware and Florida, would jeopardize the survival of the North Atlantic right whale, said a group of renowned marine mammal scientists.

EU launches Action Plan against wildlife trafficking

March 2, 2016

It includes steps to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, step up enforcement, and substantially increase support to source countries.

A 10-year strategy to save sharks and rays

February 16, 2016

Among the actions urged by conservationists: science-based limits on shark and ray fishing and trade.

Hong Kong is exploring measures to phase out the ivory trade

January 15, 2016

The announcement was by made its leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, during his annual policy address.

President Obama signs Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 into law

December 30, 2015

This is an important legislative step toward preventing the tiny plastics from entering our waters.

Congress says no to dangerous ivory riders

December 18, 2015

Thanks to supporters who raised their voices for elephants, the U.S. Congress removed a harmful ivory rider from the federal budget, bringing us one step closer to a strong federal ivory ban.

Senate passes National Bison Legacy Act

December 4, 2015

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously to honor North America's largest land mammal by making the American bison the National Mammal. A version of the bill has been introduced in the House.

Arnold Schwarzenegger terminates the ivory trade

November 13, 2015

The Terminator makes a bold statement to get rid of the demand for ivory once and for all.

Washington State passes I-1401

November 3, 2015

With more than 70 percent of the vote in favor of a statewide ban, Washington became the fourth state to ban the sale of ivory.

California passed AB 96

October 4, 2015

The Golden State became the third U.S. state to ban the sale of ivory after New York and New Jersey in 2014.

Delivered 160,000 messages for federal ban

September 28, 2015

Delivered over 160,000 messages of support to Secretary Jewell for a strong federal ivory ban to #BeHerd for elephants.

$45,000+ kicked in for whale tags

July 31, 2015

Successfully crowdfunded over $45,000 to order six special satellite whale tags to track the habits and migration patterns of whales off the coast of New York City.

Blue York campaign is launched

July 8, 2015

From massive whales to sleek sharks, there’s an underground world off the coast of NYC. We're raising awareness of this underappreciated neighborhood and the threats its residents face.

Times Square Ivory Crush

June 19, 2015

Over 1,500 people joined WCS, three government agencies, and six other conservation organizations in Times Square to crush over a ton of illegal ivory.