The Wildlife Conservation Society Archives documents WCS’s long history of saving wildlife and wild places. To carry out this mission, the Archives collects, identifies, and preserves records created throughout the history of WCS, which was begun in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society.

The collections held by the WCS Archives reflect the Society's robust record of activities, which includes running the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, and the Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoos. Additionally, the collections contain records related to WCS's rich history of international wildlife conservation field work.

The Archives provides access to these records by appointment to scholars and other persons interested in WCS's history.  See the links below for more information about our collections and accessing them.

The WCS Library & Archives acknowledges the gaps of representation present in our archival holdings. Collecting for our Archives has historically focused on people in leadership positions. We recognize that this has left out many voices in our historical record, and it does not reflect WCS’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In order to start the work of filling in some of these gaps, we are seeking opportunities that will allow us to share and preserve these untold stories. The WCS Archives is currently working on collecting oral histories to include more voices. We invite retired WCS staff members who would like to participate in our oral history program to please contact us.