LAKE BUENA VISTA—The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF) has announced $1.4 million in awards to nonprofit environmental groups and universities studying endangered species, bringing the DWCF total to more than $10 million in conservation projects supported worldwide.
The DWCF funds will go toward 82 programs in 27 countries to address a variety of needs, including tracking collars for tigers and wolves, four-wheel-drive vehicles for reaching remote African areas with conservation education messages, and new wings for an ultralight aircraft used to lead migrating whooping cranes across the United States.
Recipients were chosen from more than 240 applications reviewed by scientists, veterinarians and other animal experts. The organizations range from large national groups to small community efforts; including conservation programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Fauna and Flora International, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Painted Dog Conservation Trust, University of Florida, WildAid and World Wildlife Fund.
“The ability to enable such important work to protect wildlife and wild places is a key component of Disney’s mission,” says Jerry Montgomery, senior vice president of public affairs, Walt Disney World.
Montgomery oversees the DWCF program through Disney’s office of conservation initiatives. He said the programs chosen demonstrate solid science, engage local communities, and measure the impact being made to protect the environment.
“We also appreciate the fact that many of our guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line contribute to DWCF, showing their own personal commitment to conservation,” Montgomery says.
In addition, Disney’s corporate outreach program pays all overhead costs and makes a significant annual donation to the DWCF. For a complete list of Disney Wildlife Conservation projects, visit www.disneywildlifefund.com.
