Thank you to Disney for inviting us to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. All opinions are completely my own. #ProtectThePride #TheLionKing
Disney’s “Protect the Pride” Initiative
I didn’t realize that Africa’s lion population has dropped by half since the original Lion King movie was released 25 years ago. That means that there are only 20,000 remaining in population. Think about that for a minute. Half. Half of Africa’s lions are gone.
I knew there had been the destruction of habitats over the years, but I never thought about the culmination of the poaching, loss of their prey, and the destruction of their habitat altogether.
During our experience at Animal Kingdom the other day we had the chance to learn more about Disney’s initiative, The Lion King “Protect the Pride.” They are working on this campaign in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund. Why? By protecting lions, we are also protecting the health and well-being of the savanna, wildlife, and communities who live alongside them.
Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed up to $75 million ($13M to projects across Africa) to save wildlife and protect the planet.
Disney has already donated more than $1.5 million to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and its partners and will make additional grants as well as invite fans to help double the donation for a total contribution of up to $3 million.
How can we help Protect the Pride?
Fans may participate by taking part in celebratory experiences and purchasing special-edition products, as part of The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign.
“The Art and Making of The Lion King”
In celebration of the new book, “The Art and Making of The Lion King” and to support a future for African wildlife, Disney Publishing Worldwide and the Disney Conservation Fund will collectively donate $25,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund to help “Protect the Pride” through efforts that engage communities to ensure a future for African wildlife and their habitats.
The Lion King PremEAR at Sea
To support The Lion King PremEAR at Sea on July 19, 2019, Disney Cruise Line will make a $10,000 contribution to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund.
Purchase a limited edition Simba or Nala plush at Disney parks or Disney stores.
40,000 Special Edition The Lion King 2019 Simba and Nala plush lions are available for purchase at Disney stores across the globe. Each of the 40,000 plush represents one of the lions for which Disney and the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) are working to ensure a future. For each Special Edition lion sold, Disney will donate US $5 to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund and its local partners. For more information on LRF and Disney’s conservation efforts, visit Disney.com/LionKingProtectThePride.
Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition
For every guest who rides the Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park in Florida during opening week of The Lion King film (July 19 – 25, 2019), Disney Conservation Fund will donate $2 (up to $350,000) to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund’s efforts to help double the number of lions across Africa by 2050.
We were the first group to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris the other day and had a “traffic jam.” Did you know that a group of rhinoceros is called a Crash?
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are helping to ensure a future for African wildlife, including lions. Visit AZA.org to learn more about waysto get involved and to find a local AZA-accredited facilities.
There are so many terrific ways to “Protect the Pride” and I hope you’ll join me and supporting this endeavor (and having fun while you’re at it!).
Psst! If you’re at Animal Kingdom don’t forget to grab The Lion King Themed treats – from ice cream cones to ice cream sandwiches, and more. Our favorite was this fun Lion King cupcake.
Follow The Lion King, Disney Conservation Fund, and the Lion Recovery Fund on social media to stay up to date on #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride campaign.
Instagram: @Disney | @LionKing @LionRecovery | @WildNetOrg
Twitter: @Disney | @DisneyLionKing @LionRecovery | @WildNetOrg
Hashtags: #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride
