Wildlife Conservation Society

Education Department

WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. Operating across all five WCS parks—Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium—we provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.


Our Commitment

Science thrives when talented individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute. At WCS, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, our team of thousands of scientists reflects the diversity of the natural world they work to protect. Through our education programs, we highlight their stories, research, and expertise, inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and conservation leaders. By fostering curiosity and a deep appreciation for science and nature, we empower all New Yorkers to engage with and contribute to the future of conservation.


Our Approach

Inspire

We provide deep, lasting interactions with wildlife in our parks and beyond, inspiring connection and wonder for animals and nature.

Discover

We challenge learners to observe, question, predict, and test to make sense of the natural world, enhancing scientific literacy through inquiry-based learning.

Protect

We champion real-life conservation challenges, solutions and changemakers, motivating our audiences to take action to protect wildlife and the environment.


Our Audiences

We bring conservation action to life through our programs. Every year, we reach close to one million students, educators, families, youth, adults and zoo and aquarium visitors through education activities at our five New York City parks.

WCS is dedicated to serving a broad constituency that mirrors the diversity of our surrounding neighborhoods and our city. As such, we have launched key initiatives to engage all New Yorkers in science and conservation:

Research & Evaluation

WCS is committed to advancing the fields of informal and formal science learning through rigorous program evaluation and educational research. Read more about our current research efforts here.


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