It’s always a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom filled with surprises around every corner, and today was no different as we announced a $500,000 donation to five local conservation organizations in Central Florida as we continue to help make a happier, healthier planet possible for all.
This most recent donation brings our total given to nonprofit organizations across Florida since the start of the 50th Anniversary celebration to more than $6 million. It is one of the many ways we’re taking action to protect the planet as we remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint, caring for wildlife and their habitats, sharing stories that inspire action and supporting programs that make a world of difference in our community.
We shared the exciting news with our cast members first – many of whom dedicate their own time investing in the wonders of our world through our Disney VoluntEARS program – followed by our grant recipients: Conservation Florida, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Lake Nature Center and Wekiva Wilderness Trust.
With each organization receiving $100,000, these grants will help make a number of projects possible – from expanding land protection initiatives, to ensuring healthy tree canopy coverage in underserved communities, finding solutions to clean drinking water for those in need and funding educational opportunities for youth in our community. Since 1995, Disney has directed more than $120 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to wildlife conservation efforts like these, resulting in meaningful and measurable impacts.
This is all part of what we call Disney Planet Possible – tangible actions we’re taking as a company to inspire optimism for a brighter, more sustainable future.
I for one could not be more excited about the impact this will have on Central Florida. I’m also so proud of our animal care and conservation cast members who are always champions of change and share the wonders of our world and the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” (did you catch season two on Disney+ yet?) every day.
We all have the power to make a difference in our communities. Whether volunteering with a local organization or taking action in your own backyard – it all comes together and can lead to big change. Learn more on DisneyPlanetPossible.com and stay tuned for even more stories about our conservation efforts as we near our celebration of Earth Month in April.