We’ve been talking a lot about lions lately, in celebration of Disney’s The Lion King, which came roaring into theaters on July 19. Through the “Protect the Pride” global campaign, Disney is helping to address the crisis facing lions and other wildlife across Africa by supporting the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and its vision to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.
Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $75 million to save wildlife and protect the planet. And now, Disney has already donated more than $2 million to WCN’s LRF and its partners, and will make additional grants as well as invite fans to participate and help increase the donation—for a total contribution of up to $3 million.
How is this helping to save lions? The LRF supports a variety of partner organizations working in Africa with a three-pronged approach to lion recovery: investing in conservation projects on the ground, developing campaigns that support the protection and revitalization of Africa’s lion population, and expanding collaborations among organizations. The LRF directs 100 percent of all contributions to projects that recover lions, with zero administrative fees or overhead.
As we celebrate World Lion Day this Saturday, August 10, enjoy this video featuring some of the many inspiring and incredible conservationists supported through the Lion Recovery Fund as they share the challenges facing lions and actions they are taking to save them.
These individuals were among more than 80 of the world’s leading lion conservation experts who assembled at Walt Disney World Resort earlier this year during the Lion Footprint Forum. We were proud to be able to host this event with WCN – it was the first meeting of its kind in 20 years —bringing together lion conservationists and philanthropists to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities to recover lions.
If these conservationists leave you inspired to help “Protect the Pride,” there’s still time to join the effort:
- Purchase a special edition Simba and Nala plush from Disney Stores* across the globe, or during your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Pick up a copy of The Art and Making of The Lion King to learn about Disney Publishing Worldwide’s contribution and Disney’s commitment to conservation
- Learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund
Visit Disney.com/LionKingProtectThePride to learn more and follow the social conversation for updates about #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride.
*In North America, available at Disney stores, and in the U.S., available at shopDisney.com and select locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
