Wildlife Conservation Society

⚠️ With fewer than 380 North Atlantic right whales left, we can’t gamble with their future. Decisions made today could have lasting consequences.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently considering changes to the Vessel Speed Rule, a key safeguard that helps reduce deadly ship strikes in favor of emerging detection and alert technologies.

At WCS, we support innovation, however science tells us that proven protections should remain in place while we invest in and explore that option. That’s why we’re urging NOAA to take a phased, science-based approach.

You can help ensure that North Atlantic right whale conservation remains grounded in evidence. Add your voice by signing our letter today.

Speak out: https://secure.wcs.org/campaign/2605-ADV-NOAA-NARW

Update on Basil, the stowaway fox.

We are pleased to share that the stowaway red fox that was discovered aboard a cargo ship from Southampton, England, is healthy and has completed quarantine. The two-year old, male red fox was successfully treated at the Bronx Zoo for a parasite commonly known as the “French heartworm.”

After his arrival at the zoo, the red fox—now named Basil—underwent a comprehensive veterinary evaluation at the zoo’s Wildlife Health Center where he was diagnosed with the parasite. French heartworm is rarely seen in the United States. It is more commonly associated with wild foxes and domestic dogs in Europe and can cause severe respiratory disease if left untreated. Over the course of approximately one month, Basil received three types of deworming medication as part of a carefully managed treatment plan. Throughout his treatment, Basil showed significant improvement. He gained weight, developed a fuller and shinier coat, and demonstrated strong overall health during follow-up examinations. When Basil arrived at the Bronx Zoo, he weighed 11.2 pounds (5.1 kg). He now weighs 13.7 pounds (6.2 kg), a gain of approximately 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg).

We will assess the most appropriate long-term placement for Basil now that he has completed quarantine. Follow us for more updates about Basil’s rescue and recovery story!

Biodiversity underpins healthy ecosystems. Each species performs a unique role. All are needed to keep the system strong and resilient. At WCS, we help conserve habitat for more than 40% of the world’s biodiversity by focusing on areas with high ecological integrity.

Did you know: cheetahs aren’t technically “big cats” and orange tiger fur looks green to deer.

Hear WCS’s Luke Hunter on a new episode of the podcast Terrestrials from Radiolab and WNYC.

🎙️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wcs-wild-audio/id1630987446?i=1000768934355

Congo’s forests are shaped by the presence of elephants—and would be threatened by their absence. On , your gift to help them and other wildlife gets multiplied 4X. https://secure.wcs.org/donate/2605-ESD-2

On , a recent camera trap image of a Cross River gorilla in Nigeria where the Wildlife Conservation Society Nigeria Program helps protect them. There are less than 300 of them left. But there is hope due to the dedication of local conservationists and communities committed to their conservation.

This week, the Republic of Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, conducted an official visit to WCS’s Bronx Zoo. He was accompanied by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Winanto Adi.

During the visit, the Indonesian delegation held discussions with WCS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert G. Menzi, and senior WCS leadership. Both parties reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and signed a Joint Statement to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation and national park management across Indonesia.

The delegation also toured the zoo and met with zoo executives and keepers to talk about how scientific research, public education, and community engagement can help advance conservation.

Read more: https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26183/Indonesias-Ministry-of-Forestry-and-WCS-Strengthen-Partnership-on-Biodiversity-Conservation-and-National-Park-Management.aspx

10 years ago, extraordinary partnerships across geography, culture, and politics helped make the American bison the U.S.’s National Mammal.

🎙️ For the anniversary, revisit a podcast episode on how it came together: https://t.co/Owz6Xd1pEa

A network of Indigenous communities in Congo’s Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park believes that conserving their pristine environment is a safer bet than resource extraction for long-term prosperity, writes The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/congo-basin-conservation-nouabale-ndoki-national-park/