Wildlife Conservation Society

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Tell Albany: Adopt at least level funding for New York zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums

Protect the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and ZBGA budget

Living museums need New York’s support now more than ever. Zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens strengthen our communities, support mental and physical health, provide vital science education, and offer essential access to nature—especially in urban areas. As costs rise, sustained state funding is critical to keep these spaces accessible for all New Yorkers.

Take Action Now!
Your Message
Increase funding to New York zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums.
Dear [Governor Hochul, NYS Senator and Assemblymember],

I applaud Governor Hochul’s proposal to maintain level funding in the SFY 26/27 executive budget for key environmental priorities, including $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and $21.5 million for the Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquariums (ZBGA) Program. This proposal reflects a continued commitment to New York’s environment. I respectfully urge the New York State Senate and Assembly to adopt at least level funding in the final state budget to ensure these vital programs can continue to meet the needs of communities across the state.

Living museums need the state’s strong support now more than ever. These venues are essential to the economic, mental, and physical health of our communities. New York’s zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens connect people with nature, provide vital science education, and help to meet demand for outdoor space, particularly in urban areas.

These living museums provide more than quality environmental education and uniquely beautiful tourist destinations; they are also strong economic engines generating local employment.

I urge you to adopt at least level support for the EPF at $425 million and ZBGA at $21.5 million in the final SFY 26/27 budget.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Wildlife and wild places are facing pressing global threats
— and your donation will go directly to help combat these issues.

Wildlife Crime

Poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade endanger hundreds of vulnerable species.

Climate Crisis

Changes in climate jeopardize biodiversity and the health of entire ecosystems.

Habitat Destruction

Logging, mining, burning: human encroachment destroys homes and havens for wildlife.

We stand for wildlife

For 125 years, WCS has been dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places, powered by the expertise and science in our zoos, aquarium, and global conservation program.

Our legacy of success now positions us perfectly to take on the world’s most pressing conservation challenges—the zoonotic pandemic crisis, the decline in the world’s biodiversity, and the climate crisis—with urgent and bold action.

We focus on protecting the planet’s most important, ecologically intact places with the greatest biodiversity and resilience to climate change. With your help, we can secure a future worth celebrating.

WCS works to save wildlife and wild places in 60 countries, across the ocean, and in our 4 NY zoos and aquarium

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