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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This inventory will benefit many more zoo departments in the years to come. For @wcs.org, the drawings tell us more about the distinct phases in the zoo's history. In a second post at wcsarchivesblog.org, Gianna tells us about a few era-defining architects in our epic story. 2/2 #archives

Drawing in diazotype print of the Primate House Elevations and Sections, circa 1945.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Both the WCS Archives and Bronx Zoo Operations are the first departments to benefit from a NY State Library Preservation/Conservation Discretionary Grant for WCS #Archives Technician Gianna Brassil to inventory the Bronx Zoo's architectural drawings. 1/2 #architecture

Black & white photograph of the interior of the Elephant House featuring interior tilework by Guastavino

Drawing on paper of Hot Water Heating in the Elephant House, circa 1906.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

...Gianna contextualizes the zoo within the urban planning movement called "The City Beautiful." 3/3 #archives #architecture

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

...with @wcs.org Archives Technician Gianna Brassil completing the inventory and gaining an appreciation for the built environment and history of the zoo along the way. In this 1st of 2 "Wild Things" posts at www.wcsarchivesblog.org ... 2/3 #architecture #archives

wcsarchivesblog.org

WCS Archives Blog

Wildlife Conservation Society Archives

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

You might recall that several months ago we were planning an inventory project for thousands of architectural drawings of the Bronx Zoo. That work--funded by a Conservation/ Preservation Discretionary Grant from NY State Library--has just concluded... 1/3 #archives #architecture

High angle view of Baird Court, circa 1909, with Administration building and Bird House flanking Italian Gardens and staircase at center.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The project was funded by the Metropolitan New York Library Council, and the negatives were processed by Archives Technician Sabrina Moore. library.wcs.org/en-us/Archiv... 3/3 #archives #photography

B&W photo of William Beebe holding Giant Armadillo, Kartabo, British Guiana

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The #photos come from the DTR’s earliest expeditions. library.wcs.org/en-us/Archiv... Covering the DTR’s work in Guyana, the Galápagos Islands, and Haiti, the images document people, animals, and landscapes central to this early ecological research. 2/3 #archives

Boy named Vincent in hollow part of tree, Kalacoon, British Guiana

B&W photo of a wooden ladder reaching to termite nest with holes of bees in it, all surrounded by foliage, British Guiana

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The online archival material on the Department of Tropical Research just got a little closer to comprehensive! In addition to motion pictures, illustrations, and articles in WCS's scientific journal, "Zoologica," we have just added scans of more than 1,000 glass negatives. 1/3 #archives #photography

Man with camera on tripod elevated with furniture and used to photograph a wasp's nest, Kalacoon, British Guiana

Head of Large Iguana, Kartabo, British Guiana

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Reposted by WCS Archives

Wildlife Conservation Society @wcs.org · 09/05/2026

Bison are iconic. Symbols of unity throughout America’s history. Today, we celebrate 10 years since the American bison was named the U.S. National Mammal. Thank you to all who have worked to ensure the species continues to thrive.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

We’re grateful to the New York Metropolitan Library Council for their support of this project. 3/3

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

How can the tiniest of inhabitants, like the grasshopper and ants photographed, shape the structure of a complex ecosystem? Find out at the "Wild Things" blog via www.wcsarchivesblog.org/lions-and-ti... The full set of digitized negatives will be available online by May 2026. 2/3 #archives

“Army ants on march,” Kartabo, British Guiana, 1920. WCS Archives Collection 5014-01-1317g.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

New on the WCS #Archives Blog Over a few months, WCS Archives Technician Sabrina Moore digitized 1,000 glass negatives from the @wcs.org Department of Tropical Research—revealing extraordinary records of wildlife research, sometimes at a magnified scope. 1/3

“Head of grasshopper,” Kartabo, British Guiana, 1924. WCS Archives Collection 5014-01-2665g.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

The WCS Library & Archives will soon embark on an effort to inventory, assess, and rehouse thousands of drawings. We’re excited to share more on our plans for these plans soon! 3/3 #architecture #archives

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

One example is this 1920s blueprint to improve the roof of the Bronx Zoo’s Antelope House, a building that was demolished in the 1980s in preparation for the Carter Giraffe House. Now, thanks to a Conservation/Preservation Discretionary Grant from NY State Library... 2/3 #architecture #archives

East Elevation and cross-section of Antelope House from blueprint

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

We’ve got plans! Lots and lots of plans: architectural drawings, ranging from entire Bronx Zoo buildings to exhibition doors and railings to Bronx Park walkways, have been stored with our Zoos & Aquarium Operations department for decades. 1/3 #archives #architecture

East Elevation and roof plan of Antelope House from blueprint

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Her post examines how these individuals were described in expedition records, how colonial language shaped their portrayal, and why making these images accessible today can help restore identity and recognition.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Over on the WCS Archives blog, WCS Archives Technician Sabrina Moore reflects on digitizing 1,000 glass negatives from the Department of Tropical Research—many depicting people in Guyana and Haiti whose names were never recorded.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We are deeply grateful to the Boyden family for entrusting us with these materials and for helping ensure that Douglas Boyden’s work will continue to educate and bring joy to future generations.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

These illustrations—along with 100+ others—have been generously donated to the WCS Archives in memory of Douglas G. and Helen M. Boyden by their children, Edward A. Boyden and Caroline E. Boyden. They are being added to WCS Archives Collection 1039, where they will join other Boyden works.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

He met his wife, Helen Louise Mammen, while they were graduate students at the University of Rochester, and the couple made their home in San Diego beginning in 1969.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Although his artistic talent is clear, these works represent one facet of a very rich life. He graduated from Yale Med School, served in the US Navy, chaired the Ophthalmology Dept at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, and operated a private practice specializing in laser treatment of retinal disease.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We are thrilled to share some stunning new additions to our Archives: a series of vibrant field illustrations painted by Department of Tropical Research artist Douglas Boyden during expeditions to Trinidad in the 1950s…

Black and red butterflies on a flowering plant with a lush tropical background

Predominantly black butterfly with red eyespot on a thistle-like plant

Red trumpet flowers against lush green foliage

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We are deeply grateful to the Boyden family for entrusting us with these materials and for helping ensure that Douglas Boyden’s work will continue to educate and bring joy to future generations.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Take a tip from these Adelie penguins filmed in Antarctica for a 1957 research project supported by @wcs.org and the National Science Foundation. If you can't beat the cold weather, best to enjoy it together! 2/2 #archives

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

We’re excited to announce our collaboration with The Art of Fauna, a cozy puzzle app that scrambles animal illustrations into tiles (like this one) that you can re-assemble into picture perfection while learning more about the species! 1/2 #archives #puzzlegame #GameDev

Scrambled tiles of artwork created by the Department of Tropical Research.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

That story will get fresh attention in 2026, when the Noguchi Museum opens Noguchi’s New York, an exhibition that explores—among many other stories—Noguchi’s connection to the Great Apes House. We look forward to seeing it! 3/4 #archives

View of the exhibit at the Great Apes House from a color postcard.

Text of a Great Apes House postcard caption titled "Plenty of room for the gorilla."

Black and white photo of Fairfield Osborn at Great Apes House ribbon-cutting event on opening day in October, 1950.

Black and white photo of entrance side to Great Apes House.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Although that exhibit is long gone, its story is still unfolding in surprising ways. Here’s a fun fact we recently learned: during its planning, WCS President Fairfield Osborn discussed the project with famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). 2/4

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

The Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx Zoo is an immersive, participatory exhibit that is home today to the zoo’s gorillas and other animals. Congo represents an evolutionary step in zoo design that follows on an exhibit that opened 75 years ago this month, The Great Apes House. 1/4 #archives

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Shown are a 1906 postcard image of the aviary and its surroundings and a 1924 photo of a male argus pheasant taking in the view. 3/3

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

The building and enclosures went through a renovation in 1968. A new restoration effort took place earlier this year, and included better accessibility for keepers and artificial flowing streams for birds. 2/3 #archives

Black and white photo of Male argus pheasant in enclosure with a uniformed keeper in the background. Taken in May 1924.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

We couldn't let this month end without a winged salute to 120 years of the Pheasant Aviary at the Bronx Zoo. The unique wood-framed, Tudor style building opened in September 1905, relieving some of the overcrowding at the Aquatic Bird House and Ostrich House. 1/3 #archives

Colorized postcard image of the Pheasant Aviary set back within the landscape of the Bronx Zoo.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

...a treasure trove of design drafts and graphics for the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It’ll take some time before this collection is fully processed and digitized, but we couldn’t wait to show off some of these stunning images with you. 2/2

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

#dyk? Alongside preserving and sharing historical @wcs.org records, the WCS #Archives also collects today’s materials to save for future generations. We’re especially excited about a recent addition from WCS’s Exhibits and Graphic Arts Department: 1/2

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

(If you ❤️ gazelles, sit tight. #WorldGazelleDay is July 9!) 2/2

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

This Sunday, Aug. 10 is #WorldLionDay. The WCS #Archives holds bracing footage of a 1973 film titled "Predators of the Serengeti." It features George Schaller's Serengeti-based research on predator-prey relationships. The clips show lions hunting gazelles. 1/2

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

A highlight is the short biography of the construction firm of F.W. Eversley & Co. This was a Black-owned company started by civil engineer Frederick W. Eversley, Jr. in 1963. When the nocturnal animal exhibition opened, the firm was about to hit its business peak in the #newyorkmetro area. 3/3

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

... is a wealth of historical information today! The cover art evokes a spooky mystery, while the news releases inside come with quotes and context from Director William Conway and the PR firm for architect Morris Ketchum. 2/3

Photo showing exterior of World of Darkness, 1969

Photo showing exhibit of World of Darkness, circa 1970.

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

On this #ThrowbackThursday, the WCS #Archives looks back at the June 12, 1969 opening of the Bronx Zoo’s World of Darkness. That unique exhibition’s press kit, a folder packed with photos, facts, and statements from zoo leaders intended to help with news coverage... 1/3

Illustrated eyes of nocturnal animals on black background

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Shown here: "Starfishes from Di, Station 113," "Giant green-eyed lantern fish," "Seahorses," "Astronesthes pursuing Myctophym coccoi by night" (all by Helen Damrosch Tee-Van) from Arcturus Expedition illustrations IV, 1925, WCS #Archives Collection 1039 3/3

Illustration: Starfishes from Di, Station 113 by Helen Tee-Van

Illustration: Giant green-eyed lantern fish by Helen Tee-Van

Illustration: Astronesthes pursuing Myctophym coccoi by night by Helen Tee-Van

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Today, WCS is working to designate the #hudsoncanyon as a National Marine Sanctuary. See www.wcs.org/get-involved... for more. Post 1: Staff examining specimens during an earlier part of the expedition. From “The Arcturus Expeditionary Ship of the NYZS,” 1925, WCS #Archives Collection 5011 2/3

wcs.org

Hudson Canyon - WCS.org

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

100 years ago today, @wcs.org's Department of Tropical Research began their study of the Hudson Canyon as part of the Arcturus Expedition. They were awestruck by the diversity and beauty of the species they found just 100 miles off the coast of New York City. 1/3 #newyorkcity

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

...the print’s detail, and finally the negative’s detail. We see a phenomenal range of contrast and a sharper image (especially on that pulley line in the foreground). We’re excited to share more, including never-before-seen images, as the project progresses in the coming months. Thanks METRO! 3/3

Zoom in on negative of group examining Haul, station 8, Sargasso Sea

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

...we tried upgrading our scans of small photo prints taken on the 1925 Arcturus voyage to scans of the same image using the glass plate negatives. For the detail-oriented, the results were eye-popping! Just look at the cropped images here; post 1 is a wide shot from the negative, in post 2... 2/3

Zoom in on photo print of group examining Haul, station 8, Sargasso Sea

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WCS Archives @wcs-archives.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

We’re so excited about our new Digitization Project Grant from Metropolitan New York Library Council! We’ve got plans to digitize some beautiful glass plate negatives showing the expeditions of the Department of Tropical Research that have never been digitized before. Months ago... 1/3 #archives

Department of Tropical Research group examining Haul, station 8, Sargasso Sea_1925

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Wildlife Conservation Society @wcs.org · 19/07/2025

As the film turns 50, don't blame ‘Jaws‘ for our fear of sharks, writes Hans Walters of WCS‘s New York Aquarium. But in reality, Walters writes for @nydailynews.com, this group of animals bears little resemblance to the antagonist of the book and film. 🌎 www.nydailynews.com/2025/07/19/t...

nydailynews.com

This Shark Week, some ideas on ‘Jaws’ at 50

I first saw “Jaws” during its theatrical debut in 1975 when I was 15. The previous year, family friends had loaned me Peter Benchley’s novel. The book and film terrified me. But I had been a shark-…

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