“A kingdom of balance, harmony and survival…”
“I have learned from the animal world, and what everyone will learn who studies it, is a renewed sense of kinship with it and all of its inhabitants.” – Walt Disney
There is a common theme at cash registers throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Whether buying food at Flame Tree Barbecue or a souvenir at Beastly Bazaar, guests have an opportunity to donate money and become a Conservation Hero.
Conservation Hero Buttons
Each dollar donated benefits the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund; an organization started by Disney in 1995 to benefit conservation efforts throughout the world. An amazing $18 million dollars has been awarded to local and global nonprofit organizations since the fund was established. These grants help save species and protect natural habitats in 112 different countries.
Learn how your money is used.
So what does your dollar mean to DWCF? Well first off it doubles because Disney matches every dollar donated %100. Also, all of DWCF overhead costs are covered by Disney. That means that all of the money you donate goes directly to organizations that protect our earth.
During our recent Wild Africa Trek tour we learned of one specific project supported by DWCF called the Bees, Trees and Elephants Project. Crop-raiding by elephants in Africa has increased conflicts between local farmers and the people trying to protect these animals. Through research efforts with Save the Elephants, scientists have discovered that trees with beehives in them act as an ‘eco-barrier’ for crop-raiding elephants. You can read more about this project on the Save the Elephants Website.
When you become a Conservation Hero you receive a commemorative button and there are many versions of these buttons to collect; from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park to Castaway Ray’s in the Bahamas to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Do not hesitate to give, the rewards far outweigh the cost.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Conservation Hero Button
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Conservation Hero Button
Stingray Adventure Conservation Hero Button
Wild Africa Trek Conservation Hero Button
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Conservation Hero Button
We want to thank you for joining us for our first annual Animal Kingdom Appreciation Week. We hope you have enjoyed all the beautiful photos, videos, and posts from throughout the week and possibly even gained a greater appreciation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. How about we do it again next year? Same place, same time.
