Earth Day, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and Animal Kingdom anniversary

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Parks Blog...

 

Wildlife Wednesdays: Earth Day, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Have a Lot in Common

posted on April 3rd, 2013 by Kim Sams, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Conservation Programs, The Walt Disney Company

 

We’ve always believed that it’s absolutely perfect that Earth Day, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom share the same anniversary day, April 22, even though the years are different. All three have a lot in common, with a shared mission to inspire people to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.

 

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) was established in 1995 on Earth Day, and since then, it has awarded more than $20 million to programs in 112 countries. In 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, opened. It’s hard to believe that it was five years ago on Earth Day, as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that we introduced a new name and look for what was originally known as the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. The addition of “Worldwide” more accurately conveys the fund’s mission to support wildlife, including both ecosystems and community conservation, around the globe. The new DWCF look was unveiled in front of the Tree of Life by Erin Wallace, executive vice president, Segment Operations Integration, WDPR, accompanied by world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, and Joe Rohde, senior vice president, WDI Creative.

 

As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we’re proud to share a new DWCF video in a series we’re calling “stories from the field.” Through representatives of the organizations, you’ll hear about endangered chimpanzees in Africa and cranes in Africa and China that we are helping conserve.

 

http://youtu.be/FmSf5gSy9Eo

 
Those of you who have supported the DWCF know that it plays a vital role in our efforts to protect the planet for future generations and help kids develop lifelong conservation values – and that’s truly something to celebrate this Earth Day. To learn more, visit www.Disney.com/conservation.

 

Did you know? The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and The Walt Disney Company Foundation have contributed more than:

• $5.6 million to protect birds
• $2 million to conserve primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas
• $1.4 million to study lions, tigers, leopards and other cats
• $1.2 million to research and protect elephants
• $1.1 million to conserve sea turtles
• $1 million to protect rhinos

 
Read on for more “Wildlife Wednesdays”:

• Wildlife Wednesdays: Central Florida Kids Experience Natural ‘Magic’ During Special Spring Camp at Walt Disney World Resort
• Wildlife Wednesdays: Rescued Sea Turtles, Cared for at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, Return to the Sea
• Wildlife Wednesdays: Saddle-Billed Stork Has First Chick; White-Cheeked Gibbon Expands Family with New Addition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

 

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/04/wildlife-wednesdays-earth-day-disney-worldwide-conservation-fund-and-disneys-animal-kingdom-have-a-lot-in-common/

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Looks like they are trying to do some good stuff here. (Of course, the good PR can't hurt.)

[Lou... 3,118]

Disney doesn't get a lot of press coverage when it comes to it's charitable giving. In addition to all the good work mentioned above, which has been going on since 1995, Disney gives a ton of money to many causes. In 2012 alone, they gave almost 300 million to various charities. They are, as they should be, good citizens.

[Lou... 3,118]

The Disney Wilderness Preserve will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary with an open house on April 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

You can join scientists, Florida cowboys, wildlife biologists and environmental educators to learn how nature is working for you with fun outdoor activities. See birds of prey up close, take a swamp buggy tour, learn how to identify animal tracks and watch for animals in your own backyard. Celebrate Florida’s ranching heritage and meet local cowboys. 

Admission is free, 

 

http://www.nature.org/dwp20

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

So.... what exactly do Florida cowboys look like?

[DaveInTN 3,247]

So.... what exactly do Florida cowboys look like?

 

 

[Lou... 3,118]

Oh sure, make fun of my home state.

The first cowboys in the the US appeared in Florida because that's where cows were first introduced by the Spanish, don't get me started, explorers.

The cattle industry is still huge in Florida, especially in Kissimmee.

Schools are closed on Rodeo Day.  

[alexwyattmommy 181]

I think the last picture is sweet.  Don't go messing with cowboys.