Inspired by the upcoming release of The Lion King (in theaters July 19), The Walt Disney Company has launched a global conservation campaign to raise awareness of the crisis facing lions and other wildlife across Africa. Called “Protect the Pride,” the campaign focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population and the habitats they need to thrive.
Half of Africa’s lions have disappeared since the first Disney‘s The Lion King was released in theaters 25 years ago. Now, only about 20,000 remain. Lions face rising threats – such as poaching, loss of prey, and destruction of habitats – but research shows the lion population can recover.
Disney has already supported the cause by donating more than $1.5 million to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF). With the help of Disney and others, these organizations aim to double the lion population across Africa by 2050 through efforts that engage communities to ensure a future for African wildlife and their habitats.
Recently, Disney and WCN assembled more than 80 of the world’s leading lion conservation experts, from 18 countries and representing more than 50 organizations and foundations at the Lion Footprint Forum at Walt Disney World® Resort. It was the first meeting of its kind in 20 years, aimed at expanding collaboration to grow conservation impact. Together, they developed strategies to address challenges facing lion populations and to ensure a future for the species.
Charles Knowles, President, and Co-Founder of the Wildlife Conservation Network said:
The Lion Recovery Fund has a vision to bring lions back across Africa, and Disney’s powerful storytelling is a perfect way to get even more people aware of the lion crisis and inspired to take action. The Wildlife Conservation Network is proud to continue its longstanding collaboration with Disney to make a meaningful impact for people and wildlife across Africa.
Disney plans to double their donation through additional grants, as well as participation from fans, for a total contribution of up to $3 million. How can fans participate? By taking part in celebratory experiences and purchasing special edition products that are a part of The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign!
Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company, said:
Disney is committed to supporting lion conservation efforts and we believe The Lion King is the perfect story to remind us of the role we each have in helping ensure a world where these majestic animals are treasured and protected. Conservation has always been a core value of The Walt Disney Company and that commitment is apparent in everything from our films to our theme parks and is why we created the Disney Conservation Fund. Through the stories we tell and the experiences we create, we have the power to reach people around the world and inspire them to take action with us.
The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has directed $75 million to save wildlife globally since 1995. That includes $13 million to protect African wildlife spanning more than 30 countries. The Lion King Protect the Pride donation will be DCF’s largest single contribution in its 24-year history. Disney is and has always been serious about their commitment to the conservation of our planet. However, no single entity will be able to solve the problem alone.
To Protect the Pride, it takes many different approaches, which differ by regions, habitats, and local communities, to help protect lion populations. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved, visit The Lion King Protect the Pride website. There are several fun ways to participate!
