Wildlife Conservation Society

The global pet trade in wildlife, both legal and illegal, is escalating, with devastating consequences for wildlife, ecosystems, and health. At the upcoming #IUCNcongress, we are urging support for Motion 108 to address it. Get the latest on the event in a new edition of our newsletter.

Ahead of the #IUCNcongress, WCS's Sushil Raj in partnership with Pawanka Fund will host a forum on conservation and human rights. We share common goals to safeguard biodiversity and protect nature from threats, he says. "We need to work together, centering human rights, and creating spaces for Indigenous Peoples' and local community voices to lead as true partners in transforming the global conservation agenda." Follow along with updates from Abu Dhabi: https://www.wcs.org/iucn

Last week during #UNGA and New York Climate Week, the Brazil government made the announcement that it was contributing $1 billion to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, an innovative, investment-based finance mechanism that can help conserve tropical forests around the world. That is exactly what we need, said WCS’s Daniel Zarin, reflecting on the week and what stood out for him. "Now, other countries must follow suit." Tropical forests, especially those with high ecological integrity, are crucial for biodiversity, the stability of the climate, and the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Read Zarin’s full opinion piece on the #TFFF: https://lnkd.in/eJwu_rUD #TFFF #ForestFinance #ForestConservation

Starting next week, we will be active at the #IUCNcongress advancing key conservation priorities, says WCS's Dr. Susan Lieberman. These include international wildlife trade, One Health, nature crime, synthetic biology, and more. ▶️ Follow along: https://www.wcs.org/iucn

WCS’s Queens Zoo recently transferred 15 young New England cottontail rabbits to forests in Maine to help prevent the extinction of the species. It’s part of an ongoing program with our partners to aid these rabbits, which face severe challenges. In addition to habitat loss, the species also has competition from introduced eastern cottontails. Since 2016, the Queens Zoo has contributed 145 rabbits to the program—the result of years of dedication from our staff, who have built a science-driven breeding program that ensures these rabbits are born and raised in conditions that prepare them for survival in the wild. It’s also an example of the vital role zoos and aquariums like ours play in conservation. Read the WCS press release: https://lnkd.in/e3Km5V7U

Dr. Jane Goodall’s life made the conservation community immeasurably stronger, her strength now woven into its foundation. At WCS, we mourn her loss and celebrate her many achievements. Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eSyyv6qN

Today at WCS, we mourn the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall and we celebrate the extraordinary gift of her long life and her many achievements. Jane had three qualities that made her unique and allowed her to transcend her discipline, becoming an icon of conservation beyond chimpanzees and beyond Gombe. First, she understood that her scientific training not only enabled her to make groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzees but also provided an extraordinary framework for understanding conservation more broadly. Second, she carried a deep and abiding empathy—not only for the chimpanzees she studied, but also for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, schoolchildren around the world, and even political leaders. People sensed this empathy and responded to it. Finally, she recognized that lasting change required inspiration and communication, and she consciously grew into that role. Through the combination of science, empathy, and inspiration, she became a global force for conservation, bringing together and motivating world leaders, scientists, communities, and educators alike. These qualities form the heart of Jane’s legacy, and they remain central to how WCS delivers its conservation impact today. We hope to honor her legacy in our continued work to save wildlife and wild places. Thank you, Jane. Pictured: Jane Goodall speaking at a WCS event in 1974. Organized by the Women’s Committee of the New York Zoological Society (now known as the Wildlife Conservation Society), the talk was attended by 2,000 members and guests.  Goodall was presented with the Conservation Award by the NYZS Women’s Committee. 

Last week, on the margins of #UNGA, WCS, Enduring Earth, and Planet convened partners at the Central Park Zoo to discuss one of the greatest challenges in conservation today—how to measure the health of nature in a way that informs ambitious policy and business decisions. More than 20 leaders from international organizations, governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector had the opportunity to reflect on the benefits of simplified, actionable metrics, the importance of ecosystem integrity or conditions as a key framing for nature’s health, and recent scientific advances such as the Nature Health Index, Amazon.ia, and Global Nature Watch. This marked an important step forward, but the conversation continues. Please reach out to WCS's Rachel Neugarten, PhD or Alfred DeGemmis if you would like to learn more about how to engage.

In the spring of 1925, the research vessel Arcturus slipped away from New York Harbor under the leadership of New York Zoological Society (now Wildlife Conservation Society) explorer William Beebe. After a trip south, its voyage eventually concluded over the #HudsonCanyon, just 100 miles—or 30 leagues—from Times Square. The expedition was bold for its day, writes WCS's John Calvelli today. What set it apart was not just the science but the way it was shared, he says. Alongside biologists were artists—including two women—who painted, sketched, and interpreted what the nets brought up. Today, we continue that legacy as part of a campaign to have the canyon designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. Read the full piece in PBS Nature: https://lnkd.in/e2RU_sdi

The global pet trade in wildlife, both legal and illegal, is escalating, with devastating consequences for wildlife, ecosystems, and health, says WCS's Dr. Liz Bennett. While the trade is challenging to quantify, seizures of illegally traded turtles, parrots, reptiles, and other species are reported almost daily—the visible tip of the iceberg. At the upcoming #IUCNcongress, the parties will consider Motion 108, which calls for the development of IUCN Guidelines to strengthen national laws and curb the commercial trade. On the latest #WCSWildAudio, more on why we are supporting this action: https://lnkd.in/eZGSmAZS