New initiative launches to reverse the decline of threatened species and increase the time kids spend in nature 

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (April 19, 2016) – In honor of its 20th anniversary, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) announced today a targeted philanthropic strategy to help protect the planet through collaborating with leading nonprofit organizations that will help threatened wildlife and inspire a lifelong love for nature in young people. The new initiative, called “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time,” is aimed at reversing the decline of 10 threatened species through scientific research, community collaboration, and increasing the time kids spend in nature.

“Wildlife and wild places have always been an inspiration to Disney, and we take pride in instilling that same inspiration in kids and families,” said Dr. Beth Stevens, senior vice president, Environment and Conservation, Corporate Citizenship, The Walt Disney Company. “We believe that conservation and caring for the planet are more than just good ideas—they are core to who we are as a company. With the Disney Conservation Fund’s new initiative, it is our hope that our actions will help protect some of nature’s most precious habitats and ensure the health of our planet for generations to come.”

In part one of the initiative, “Reverse the Decline,” Disney is supporting a network of leading conservation nonprofit organizations to develop strategic plans that aim to reverse the decline of 10 animals: elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, tamarin monkeys, great apes, sea turtles, sharks and rays, cranes, rhinos and tigers. These organizations employ experts who work with each species to address the protection of habitats, collect critical population data, and develop community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems around the world. Additionally, this initiative provides opportunities for Disney to apply the expertise and talents of its scientists, educators and veterinarians on Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team to help reverse the decline of these animals.

The second part of the two-pronged commitment, “Increase the Time,” focuses on increasing the time kids spend in nature, with Disney’s grants to leading non-profit organizations that engage young people in discovering the magic of nature and protecting the planet.

At DCF’s 20th anniversary celebration today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall said, “We know that to protect nature, you have to connect with nature, and through Disney’s support for our Roots & Shoots program in countries all around the world, we are building a legacy of caring for animals, the environment and people.” She added, “The Walt Disney Company’s focus on protecting the planet over the past 20 years has made a significant contribution to conservation, including our work to protect chimpanzees and the forests where they live.”

The network of “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time” nonprofits and organizations include:

Reverse the Decline

Increase the Time

International Crane Foundation (Siberian cranes)

4-H

International Rhino Foundation (Sumatran rhinos)

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

the Jane Goodall Institute (great apes)

Children & Nature Network

Save the Golden Tamarin & Proyecto Titi (monkeys)

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

University of Florida (butterflies and sea turtles)

the Jane Goodall Institute: Roots & Shoots

Wildlife Conservation Society (African elephants, Sumatran tigers, sharks and rays)

National Park Foundation (NPF)

The Perry Institute for Marine Science (coral reefs)

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Established on Earth Day in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) helps to protect the planet and connect kids with nature. Supported by Disney and guest purchases and contributions at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, DCF has proudly contributed $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working in 115 countries. For more information, visit disney.com/conservation. A video and book about the “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time” initiative, as well as a list of supported organizations, can be found at disney.com/conservation.

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About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Being a good corporate citizen is a time-honored Disney tradition. Through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts and volunteering, Disney helps to brighten the lives of kids and families in need and strengthen communities around the world. For more information visit, thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship or twitter.com/citizendisney.

Contacts:

David Jefferson
Corporate Communications
818-560-4832

Mariam Sughayer
Corporate Communications
818-560-3117