The WCS focuses on four global wildlife challenges. It works with industries to reduce their ecological impact and assists in international regulatory programs to certify industries meeting conservation standards. Projects like the COMACO program in Zambia demonstrate WCS's initiatives to combine conservation programs with human development work to build local capacity to adopt alternative livelihoods. The WCS is also commitment to providing health care to wild animals to lessen the threat posed by wildlife diseases and globalization. Moreover, it incorporates climate change analysis in all of its field projects and works with governments and corporations to develop carbon emission reduction initiatives.

Mission Statement

"The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands. We do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together, these activities change individual attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale. WCS is committed to this work because we believe it essential to the integrity of life on Earth."