Membership FAQ’s

Are there any changes to membership categories or prices for 2005?  
There are new membership categories, benefits, and prices for 2005.  For years, WCS membership has been priced lower than other zoos and cultural institutions in New York City and other major cities throughout the U.S.  However, as admission prices have increased and support from the city and state reduced, we have had to raise our membership dues.  We are still competitive with other institutions in the metro area, and we have more benefits and five parks for members to visit.  Our new membership categories and the prices are listed on our secure online application and on renewal forms you receive by mail.  There are added benefits to the membership categories that we think our members will enjoy, like unlimited seasonal attractions at the Premium levels.  Attractions will now include the Bronx Zoo's new Butterfly Garden and Bug Carousel, opening in 2005. 

What new benefits come with my new 2005 membership? 
The Individual membership category still includes admission for one adult to all five WCS parks for one year, 4 parking passes for the Bronx Zoo or NY Aquarium, invitations to member-only events, a one year subcription to Wildlife Conservation magazine, the bi-annual member newsletter, and the free member t-shirt.   Plus, 16 attraction passes, all of which include Congo Gorilla Forest, and additional passes may be purchased at a 50% discount that are valid through our regular summer season (now including Congo).  Also, a 10% discount at select gift shops at the Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium, and the Central Park Zoo, a 10% food discount  at select Bronx Zoo and NY Aquarium locations, and discounts on education courses.   The Family category receives all of the above for two adults and children to age 18 in your household.  NEW this year are Individual and Family PREMIUM categories.  The Individual PREMIUM ($90) includes the above benefits, additional admission for one adult guest, and UNLIMITED ATTRACTIONS.  The Family PREMIUM ($150) includes all benefits of Family membership plus one additional guest or caregiver and UNLIMITED ATTRACTIONS. 

How can I replace a lost/stolen membership card?
A replacement membership card costs $5. Please make check payable to Wildlife Conservation Society and mail with your name, address and membership number (if possible) to: Wildlife Conservation Society, Membership Office, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460. A replacement card will be mailed in 2 to 3 weeks. If you'd like to visit one of our parks in the meantime, just present a valid ID at one of our Membership carts located near the entrance gate and you will be issued a day pass.

How can I replace or obtain more parking and attraction passes?
If you've lost your attraction and parking passes, they cannot be replaced. You can, however, purchase additional attraction passes at a 50% discount. These can be purchased at the Zoo Shuttle ticket booths at the Bronx Zoo. Additional attraction passes valid for the Children's Zoo, Skyfari, Bengali Express, Congo, Zoo Shuttle, and the new Butterfly Garden and expire at the end of the October when the attractions close for the winter (except Congo, open year round).  Additional parking passes cannot be purchased. Unlimited parking is available at the $250 Conservation Supporter level and above.

I have sent in my payment for membership and have yet to receive my membership package.   When will I receive it?
If you've joined or renewed by mail or the internet, you will receive your membership package in 3 to 4 weeks.  The fastest way to join WCS or renew is to simply visit a Membership Sales cart at the Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium, or Central Park Zoo, or in Zoo Center at the Bronx Zoo. Our staff is there to help you all year long. You will receive your membership materials immediately - parking and attraction passes, t-shirt and a temporary membership card valid for three months. You will receive your permanent membership card in the mail. If you haven't received your membership package within one of the timeframes listed above, please email us at membership@wcs.org.

How can I redeem a member t-shirt coupon? 
Member t-shirt coupons are redeemable on site when you visit our parks or by mailing the coupon to the Membership Office.  NEW THIS YEAR-  If you are redeeming your coupon on site at the Bronx Zoo, you may now pick up your shirt at the main Bronx Zoo Store, located near the Southern Boulevard entrance gate.  You may also redeem your coupon at the New York Aquarium gift shop.  If you are visiting our other parks, please speak to our membership staff at a membership cart to redeem your coupon for a member t-shirt.

Can I become a WCS Member today and visit one of your parks tomorrow?
If you would like to become a member and visit the Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo tomorrow, simply join on-site at a Membership sales cart located near the entrance gate the day you visit, or in Zoo Center at the Bronx Zoo. You will receive your membership materials immediately and can begin to enjoy your membership benefits. Cash, checks and major credit cards are accepted.

Does WCS have a reciprocal membership agreement with any other zoos or aquariums?
WCS does not have reciprocal agreements with other zoos. Since our parks are major tourist destinations in New York City and are visited by over 4 million people annually we would end up losing much needed revenue from admissions that we rely on for our operating budget. Plus, with close to 90,000 member households, our members visiting other parks could deprive them of vital attendance revenue.

I've already renewed my WCS membership, but I continue to receive renewal notices. Should I be concerned?
If you have recently renewed your WCS membership, please disregard any further renewal notices. Although we work to process renewals as quickly as possible, there is the chance that you may receive a second notice before your payment has been processed and entered into our system.

Can memberships be shared?  Why must I show an ID at the gate?
No. Memberships are non-transferable. WCS memberships are valid only for the named individual(s) on the membership card. To ensure that membership privileges are not abused, we ask that members present a valid ID along with their membership card upon entrance when they visit one of our parks. WCS is a nonprofit organization and we rely on membership and attendance for much of our support. If memberships were shared our revenue would be reduced drastically. Showing another ID at the entrance gate also protects our members should their cards be lost or stolen.

If I purchase a membership that is valid for more than one adult, do I have to name the other adult(s)?
You may choose to name the other adult(s) on your membership, in which case only those named can use the membership. You may also opt to list the other adult(s) as "guest" so you can bring a different person with you each time you visit. A "guest" must accompany the named adult on the card and cannot enjoy membership benefits without the named adult.  You may also list the other adult(s) as "caretaker" if your child's caregiver wishes to bring your child to the zoo. Only in this case will a non-named adult be allowed to use your card.   

Are special events, like Holiday Lights, included in membership? 
Certain events, like Member's Evenings, are free to members, but admission to after-hours public events, such as Holiday Lights are not included as part of your membership.  

Can members purchase additional member's t-shirts?
Yes. Members can purchase extra t-shirts at Membership sales carts at all 5 parks. Additional t-shirts cost $10 and are sold to members only. Available sizes are Adult XL, Adult M and Youth M..