The Wildlife Conservation Society Jessica Anderson October 15, 2003

What does the WCS do? Manages wildlife parks Campaigns for laws to protect wildlife Sponsors wildlife studies around the world Funds academic research Educates people about wildlife endangerment

History of the WCS The society began on April 26, 1895 Founders: Andrew H. Green Henry Fairfield Osborn William Hornaday studied decline of animals in the U.S. and began a campaign to protect the wildlife William Beebe began field research abroad

More history… Fairfield Osborn brought field biology to the WCS after World War II The WCS began working in Africa, Asia, and South America in the 1950’s William Conway developed a breeding program for endangered species in the 1960’s

The Bronx Zoo Headquarters for WCS since 1895 Opened on November 8, 1899 Accomplishments: –Reestablishment of the American Bison –First veterinary department (1901) –Species Survival Plan (1903) –First zoo education program for public (1929) –Congo Gorilla Forest

New York Aquarium Oldest operating aquarium in the U.S. Opened on December 10, 1896 in lower Manhattan WCS began managing aquarium in 1902 Aquarium contains 350 species and over 8,000 specimens Mission: increase public awareness of issues concerning wildlife in the ocean

WCS also manages … The Central Park Zoo –Under direction of the WCS in Manhattan since August 8, 1988 The Queens Zoo –Existed since 1968, but renovated and reopened by the WCS on June 25, 1992 Prospect Park Zoo –Existed since 1800’s, but renovated and reopened by the WCS on October 5, 1993

*Read handout on how and why you can support the WCS