The annual 5K run/3K walk will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026.
WCS Run for the Wild is sponsored by Montefiore Einstein.
Bronx, N.Y. (March 18, 2026) — Calling all runners, walkers, and wildlife advocates: registration is now open for the Bronx Zoo’s 18th annual WCS Run for the Wild, to be held on Saturday, April 25 at the Bronx Zoo.
This year’s WCS Run for the Wild is dedicated to the Endangered red panda and will support the WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Register here to participate in the 18th annual WCS Run for the Wild now and help make tracks for red pandas.
Each year, over 5,000 participants join the fun to raise awareness of the threats facing wildlife and help raise funds to support WCS’s conservation efforts. Entry grants participants all-day admission to the Bronx Zoo, featuring 11,000 animals from around the globe and free access to all rides and attractions across the 265-acre park.
Red pandas can be seen in the Bronx Zoo’s Himalayan Highlands and Wild Asia Monorail exhibits. Native to the Himalayas and southwestern China, the species is known for its long bushy tail, dense two-layered russet fur, and white facial markings. Red pandas face severe threats from habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber, fuel, and agricultural use. They are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is estimated that there are fewer than 2,500 red pandas remaining in the wild.
Plan Your Participation in the 18th Annual WCS Run for the Wild
Schedule:Â The festivities will kick off with a 5K race for individual runners at 8:00 a.m. Casual runners and walkers can take part in the 3K family fun run/walk at 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Benefits:Â Participants 16 years and older are required to meet the minimum fundraising level of $35 in addition to the registration fee. Upon completing the fundraising minimum, all registrants receive:
Free parking and all-day admission to the Bronx Zoo, with access to all rides and attractions including opening day of the Wild Asia Monorail
A 2026 WCS Run for the Wild T-shirt featuring a custom print of the beloved red panda
An exclusive 2026 WCS Run for the Wild race medal
Post-run entertainment including ZUMBA® instruction, interactive wildlife characters, fun-for-all photo booths, a community mural wall, music, games, face painting, and more
Prizes: Participants can earn limited edition prizes through fundraising. This year, the lineup includes a red panda themed plush; WCS Run for the Wild themed travel mug, socks, stickers, and blanket; and a gift certificate for the Bronx Zoo’s Wild Encounters program, which allows guests to get up close with ambassador animals to learn more about some of the fascinating species WCS works to protect.
WCS Run for the Wild is sponsored by Montefiore Einstein.
Follow the Bronx Zoo on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet. Members of the media should contact mdixon@wcs.org (+1 (347) 840-1242) for more information or with questions.
Photo: On April 25, runners and walkers will traverse the world’s largest urban zoo and enjoy all-day access to 11,000+ animals – all in support of Wildlife Conservation Society’s work to protect animals like the red panda. (Credit: @WCS)