WCS Wildlife Heritage Circle Members: Deirdre “Dee” and David Hensen

As veterinarians, Dee and Dave Hensen have found joy in helping individual animals for more than 35 years. Today, they channel their love of animals into conservation advocacy and education—helping school groups and community members learn about nature and make their own personal connections with animals at WCS’s Bronx Zoo and other wildlife parks.

Dee and Dave point to the Bronx Zoo as a leader in the zoo world. “People can’t travel willy nilly to Africa, Asia, South America, or the Rocky Mountains, but they can get as close as possible—and learn about the conservation WCS is doing—at the Bronx Zoo,” says Dave. Adds Dee: “That’s something unique and so important.”

Through their partnership with WCS, Dee and Dave have helped lead efforts to connect veterinary students with veterinarians based at the Bronx Zoo’s Wildlife Health Center, inspiring the next generation to learn how their work can have a broader impact on wildlife conservation.

“WCS is helping to ensure the next generation is well-equipped 
to provide compassionate, high-quality care for animals.” 
—Dee and David Hensen