Monica Medina is the new president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates four zoos in the city. The organization is also leading conservation efforts around the globe.

"There is a direct connection between the work we do here in the parks, educating 1 million school children from New York City, and the work that we do all around the world to conserve the wildest places, the most intact nature and biodiversity out there," Medina said.

Medina took the helm at the Wildlife Conservation Society in June, after a distinguished career in government focusing on conservation, science and environmental policy.

Most recently, she was the head of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, working in the Department of State as the first U.S. diplomat designated to advocate for global biodiversity.

"I got to represent the U.S. government all around the world in important negotiations. Like we did an agreement last December in which the whole planet came together. Every country in the world agreed by consensus that we need to conserve or protect 30% of the entire planet by 2030 in order to keep our planet's systems working the way they should, to have clean air and clean water," Medina said.

Medina says that in her new role, she can work towards the implementation of that policy by conserving and educating so future generations will do the same. She will also help mark some milestones for the Wildlife Conservation Society, like the 125th birthday of the Bronx Zoo in 2024.

"It's an amazing place, and it deserves that kind of a big birthday celebration, and I think we will bring as many people as we can to help us mark that anniversary because it is such an iconic New York institution and there's almost nowhere like it in the world," Medina said.

The Wildlife Conservation Society operates the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium.

Medina says their zoos and aquarium give the Wildlife Conservation Society an opportunity to share the important story of wildlife and biodiversity, while providing visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature and be connected to the planet.

As she put it, you can't love what you don't know.