For three decades, Disney Conservation Efforts have inspired action and created real change for wildlife and communities worldwide. From gorillas in Africa to sea turtles in Florida, Disney’s promise to protect the magic of nature continues to grow.
30 Years of the Disney Conservation Fund
Launched in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has distributed over $132 million in grants. These funds have supported over 600 organizations across half the countries in the world. They have helped protect more than 1,000 species, safeguard habitats in five oceans, and inspire countless kids and families to take action for nature. This year, the fund celebrates its 30th anniversary with more than $500,000 in new grants, supporting youth programs and global conservation projects.
Projects include work with the Global Penguin Society, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Party for the Planet. These efforts connect people to nature through meaningful experiences and encourage communities to build a sustainable future.
Protecting Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
One of Disney’s most powerful collaborations is with the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). Since 2009, GRACE has worked with local communities to save Grauer’s gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species. Disney has supported this mission for over 15 years by helping to design the sanctuary and training Congolese staff in animal care and education.
GRACE recently celebrated a historic milestone: the rewilding of four female Grauer’s gorillas into Virunga National Park. This marks the first time gorillas raised at the sanctuary have been released back into the wild. Disney’s support ensures that both gorillas and communities in the region can thrive together.
Saving Sea Turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Each summer, Disney teams up with the Sea Turtle Conservancy for the Tour de Turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The program tracks sea turtles as they return to the ocean after nesting, providing valuable data to protect these endangered animals. This year, turtles named Ariel and Moana joined the race, inspiring families to learn more about ocean conservation.
Since 2007, Disney-sponsored turtles have traveled more than 55,000 miles. Researchers have also documented 1.8 million hatchlings from 24,000 nests near the resort. Beyond the data, the program demonstrates that small actions—such as cleaning beaches or protecting nests—make a significant difference.
Disney Planet Possible: A Promise for the Future
From protecting gorillas in the Congo to safeguarding sea turtles in Florida, Disney continues to fulfill its Disney Planet Possible promise: taking action for a brighter, more sustainable future. These projects prove that conservation is not just about saving wildlife—it’s about inspiring communities, empowering youth, and ensuring future generations inherit a world where nature thrives.
As the Disney Conservation Fund celebrates 30 years, one thing is clear: the magic of nature will continue to inspire Disney stories—and with your help, its legacy will shine for decades to come.
➡️ Learn more by visiting the original posts: 30 Years of Disney Conservation, Protecting Gorillas with GRACE, and Sea Turtles at Vero Beach.
