Wildlife Conservation Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) SAVES WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES WORLDWIDE THROUGH SCIENCE, CONSERVATION ACTION, EDUCATION, AND INSPIRING PEOPLE TO VALUE NATURE.
- Income
- $400.9 million
- Spending
- $456.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- -0.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 48%
- Employees
- 2,917
- Volunteers
- 729
- Highest pay
- $1.5 million, president & ceo through 4/1/24
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 44 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 30% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 14% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2536 of 36 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $206.9 million spent. Global Conservation Global Conservation With the largest and longest-standing field conservation program in the world, WCS works with governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in more than 50 countries to support the conservation of the highest ecological integrity areas across the globe. These partnerships provide an extraordinary opportunity for impact. WCS works across the full spectrum of conservation to protect and restore nature. That dedicated work is reflected in the following snapshot of WCS's robust global conservation efforts across FY 2025. FY 2025 began in July 2024 with remarkable news from Thailand, where tiger numbers in the Western Forest Complex were reported to have risen 250 percent over 15 years. Also that month, WCS joined an ambitious scientific expedition in Papua New Guinea to assess one of the most biodiverse ocean regions on Earth and help guide future marine conservation there. In August, WCS helped support adoption of a ten-year national plan to save Nigeria's remaining elephants, whose population has fallen by 99 percent. That same month, new science from Bolivia suggested that Madidi National Park may hold the highest amphibian diversity of any protected area in the world. September saw the formal launch in the Republic of Congo of Africa's first High Integrity Forest Investment Initiative project in Nouabal-Ndoki National Park, aimed at financing protection of some of the world's last high-integrity forests. WCS also highlighted new research into how deforestation may drive wildlife viral emergence, backed by a prestigious U.S. National Science Foundation fellowship. In October, local communities in Puerto Rico celebrated the creation of a new marine protected area covering more than 200 square kilometers of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. At the UN Biodiversity CoP in Cali, Colombia WCS also urged governments to adopt a strong Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health to better prevent future zoonotic pandemics. November brought sobering new evidence that African elephants - both forest and savanna species - have suffered severe declines over the past half-century across much of their range. The month also brought a major conservation gain in Argentina with creation of the Islas y Canales Verdes del Ro Uruguay Natural Park, protecting more than 4,000 hectares of wetlands, islands, forests, and beaches. In December, WCS released new science mapping coral reefs across the Western Indian Ocean and identifying pockets of coral that may be especially important to conservation. Earlier in the month, WCS welcomed passage in Washington of the bipartisan U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act and the WILD Act as major wins for global wildlife conservation. January featured advances in both technology and conservation science. WCS helped announce the first portable environmental DNA test able to detect the Critically Endangered Swinhoe's softshell turtle in a massive body of water, and also contributed to a major study comparing wild animal hunting patterns across African tropical forests, highlighting the need for stronger sustainability frameworks. In February, experts from 12 Latin American countries, including WCS scientists, identified priority riverine conservation areas for the Endangered giant otter across its range. That same month, WCS helped draw attention to new research showing that peatlands remain dangerously under-protected worldwide. March saw a significant protected-area gain in Argentina, where 40,000 hectares of private land were accepted into the La Payunia Protected Natural Area to benefit guanacos and other native wildlife. WCS also joined research showing that small, abundant fish in the Amazon can help reduce mercury risk, support food security, and ease pressure on more vulnerable species. In April, WCS announced major new backing for its High Integrity Forest Investment Initiative from Bank of America, the Central African Foret Initiative (CAFI), the Good Energies Foundation, and the UBS Optimus Foundation, helping accelerate finance for intact tropical forests. Also in April, WCS welcomed a critical milestone in Geneva as governments moved the WHO Pandemic Agreement closer to adoption, with stronger recognition of prevention at the human-animal-environment interface. May brought both species recovery and broader landscape-scale conservation advances. In Laos, local communities released 10 Critically Endangered Siamese crocodiles into the Xe Champhone wetlands to help restore the species in the wild. WCS also contributed to new U.S. research identifying "conservation sweet spots" where protecting nature can deliver benefits for both bird populations and people. WCS's FY 2025 efforts drew to a close in June with major momentum for ocean conservation. A coalition of governments backed stricter international trade protections for shark and ray species headed toward extinction, including whale sharks and manta rays. Earlier in the month, WCS also launched its Ocean Accelerator with more than $40 million in active commitments to help countries and communities advance the global 30x30 ocean goal.
- $195.7 million spent. Zoos and Aquarium in New York City Zoos and Aquarium in New York City WCS operates five iconic wildlife parks in New York City-the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium-which together welcomed more than 3,669,568 visitors in FY 2025, 4 percent higher than the previous two years. These institutions connect people to wildlife through immersive experiences, public engagement, and conservation education, serving as a powerful gateway to WCS's global mission. FY 2025 began in July 2024 with a notable wildlife milestone at the Bronx Zoo, where a Matschie's tree kangaroo joey made its public debut after emerging from its mother's pouch. As part of a carefully managed breeding program for this endangered species, the birth highlighted the zoo's role in sustaining assurance populations. In August, conservation breeding efforts were further highlighted with the debut of a red-crowned crane chick-part of a collaborative Species Survival Plan-while the Queens Zoo welcomed a southern pudu fawn, one of the smallest deer species in the world, underscoring the diversity of species cared for across WCS parks. September brought a transition into the fall season with the return of Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo and Ascarium at the New York Aquarium. These family-friendly events combined seasonal entertainment with opportunities to learn about wildlife, drawing visitors during one of the most popular times of year. In October, the New York Aquarium introduced two rescued southern sea otters to the public, reinforcing its long-standing role in providing care for non-releasable marine mammals and educating visitors about keystone species and ocean ecosystems. In November, the Bronx Zoo's presence in the Macy's Parade was further elevated by a performance from Idina Menzel atop the zoo's "Wondrous World of Wildlife" float, showcasing global habitats and species to millions of viewers. During select evenings from November 22 through January 5, Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo transformed the park into a dazzling winter spectacle, where millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife-inspired lanterns created an immersive, family-friendly experience celebrating nature and the season. December featured continued success in animal care and breeding, as a puffling-an Atlantic puffin chick-joined the colony at the Central Park Zoo. As one of only a handful of successful hatchings in accredited zoos that year, the event underscored WCS's leadership in managing vulnerable species populations. The new year began in January 2025 with the return of the Bronx Zoo's popular "Name-a-Roach" Valentine's Day campaign, which engages the public in conservation fundraising through creative outreach. In February, a silvered langur infant debuted at the Bronx Zoo, adding to one of North America's most successful breeding programs for the species and reflecting decades of institutional expertise. Spring programming expanded in March with the return of Dinosaur Safari at the Bronx Zoo, an immersive educational experience featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that connects extinction narratives to modern conservation challenges. That same month, registration opened for the 17th annual WCS Run for the Wild, a major fundraising and public engagement event supporting species conservation. In April, more than 5,000 participants joined the Run for the Wild, raising awareness and funds for the critically endangered Indian gharial. The month also highlighted innovative animal care practices, including the hand-raising of a king vulture chick using a specialized puppet technique to prevent human imprinting and ensure long-term species sustainability. May brought a range of seasonal and mission-driven programming. The Bronx Zoo hosted its annual Brew at the Zoo event, combining recreation with opportunities to engage with wildlife and conservation messaging. The New York Aquarium celebrated Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend in conjunction with World Ocean Day, while additional programming emphasized pollinator conservation through World Bee Day activities. The Bronx Zoo also announced the upcoming opening in July of its reimagined World of Darkness exhibit, featuring nocturnal species and immersive habitats designed to highlight unique adaptations. June concluded the fiscal year with strong community engagement and environmental stewardship initiatives. The New York Aquarium organized a beach cleanup at Coney Island, where volunteers removed more than 200 pounds of debris in a single day, helping protect marine ecosystems and raising awareness about ocean pollution. The aquarium also launched Shark Party, a new summer program dedicated to shark conservation and education, offering interactive experiences that inspire visitors to appreciate and protect these vital marine species. Across the year, WCS's zoos and aquarium continued to serve as vital platforms for conservation action-engaging millions of visitors, advancing species care and breeding, and inspiring the next generation to value and protect wildlife and wild places.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 1939.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.