The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) released its favorite images of 2019 from across five New York City wildlife parks and from operators whose work spans nearly 60 countries around the world. Topping the list this year are images of familial affection, from two red panda cubs whose births represent a movement to save the species to Andean bear cubs who were debuted with their mother in May.

WCS assists governments and communities in protecting “natural systems critical to saving wildlife and wild places” by using basic principles of social and environmental sustainability.

“Over the past century, WCS has established a long-term conservation presence in the last wild places across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, built strong and trusting partnerships, and acquired a depth of knowledge that ensures effective conservation action. We protect these last wild places because they are intact, biodiverse, most resilient to climate change, and bastions for large, iconic wildlife species,” writes the organization on its website.

To celebrate the planet and the work the organization does, WCS is sharing images of our planet’s eclectic species and ecosystems.

Red Panda Cubs Make Their Debut At Prospect Park Zoo 

Two red panda cubs (Ailurus fulgens refulgens) debuted at a WCS park this fall. Their births were part of a collaborative breeding program with other accredited zoos known as the Species Survival Plan whose aim is to maintain genetic diversity in the population. 

American Flamingo Parent Nurtures His Hatchling

An American or Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) parent is seen with a chick characterized by its white downy plumage. It will develop its pink feathers after consuming algae, crustaceans, and other rose-hued invertebrates. 

Mother And Baby Gelada Comfort Each Other At The Baboon Reserve

A gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is seen with its baby, which was sired by a male who received a wireless heart monitor through a surgical procedure.

Vulnerable Gaur Calf Born At The Bronx Zoo

A vulnerable gaur calf (Bos gaurus) born at the Bronx Zoo this year will grow to be one of the world's largest species of wild cattle. With between 6,000 and 21,000 individuals left across wooded habitats of Asia, the species is decreasing largely due to human encroachment. 

Three Bison Line Up For Their Photo-Op

A male, female, and bison calf (Bison bison) line up perfectly for a photo opportunity at the Bronx Zoo. With less than 13,000 American bison left in its endemic North America habitat, the giant mammal is listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN. 

"Dr. Suess" Monkey Duo Spotted Snuggling Together

A colorful wolf's guenon (Cercopithecus wolfi) family is caught snuggling in the Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx Zoo. These tree-dwellers are found in southern Africa's Congo River region between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. 

Other Notable Images From The Last Year