The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, works to save wildlife throughout the world. With 60 staff scientists and more than 100 research fellows, WCS has the largest professional field staff of any US-based international conservation organization. WCS currently conducts more than 250 field projects in some 50 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
WCS's strategy is to conduct comprehensive field studies to gather information on wildlife needs, train local conservation professionals to protect and manage wildlife and wild areas for the future, and advise on protected area creation, expansion, and management. Because WCS scientists are familiar with local conditions, they can effectively translate field data into conservation action and policies, and develop locally sustainable solutions to conflicts between humans and wildlife. An acknowledged leader in the field, the Wildlife Conservation Society forges productive relationships with governments, international agencies, and local organizations.