Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Awards More Than $1.5 Million - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More

Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Awards More Than $1.5 Million

From purchasing land for conservation in Guatemala to protecting dolphins in Florida, to studying the interaction between elephants and bees in Kenya, worldwide conservation efforts recently received a $1.5 million boost from the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF), bringing the total amount of awards from the fund to more than $11 million since Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened.

The DWCF funds - which are awarded to non-profit environmental groups and universities - will go toward 97 programs in 41 countries that are focused on saving animals and habitats. Recipients were chosen from more than 260 applications reviewed by Disney scientists, veterinarians and other animal experts. Among the projects receiving support are:

  • Purchasing 4,000 acres of land in Guatemala to create a community-managed buffer zone and establish a wildlife reserve for research, ecotourism and organic farming. (ARCAS)
  • Studying the serious problems that discarded fishing gear poses to bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay to help save the dolphins from fatal entanglement. (Mote Marine Laboratory)
  • Studying the interaction between elephants and bees in Kenya and whether bees can be used as an effective elephant deterrent for crops and trees. (Save the Elephants)

"Our company has a commitment to the environment that dates back to Walt Disney himself," said Jerry Montgomery, senior vice president of Conservation & Environmental Sustainability for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "Protecting wildlife and wild places through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund is a key component of our mission."

The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund receives a significant annual donation from The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney World Resort covers the fund's administrative costs.

"In addition to our company's contributions, many guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line share their personal commitment to conservation by making a donation to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund," added Montgomery. "Disney guests who are inspired by the fund are able to participate knowing that 100 percent of their donation goes toward conservation."

For a complete list of Disney Wildlife Conservation projects visit www.disneywildlifefund.com.