Ahead of the arrival of Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters, Disney has relaunched its Protect the Pride campaign. This is an effort to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and LRF’s partners working across Africa to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.
Since The Lion King debuted 30 years ago, Africa has lost half of its lions. Without any lions, there wouldn’t be any Lion King. To help keep this from ever becoming a reality, fans are again invited to support efforts that engage communities to ensure a future for African wildlife and their habitats.
A new featurette was released by Disney that includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Taka) and Anika Noni Rose (Afia). This featurette arrives as a new pride arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Protect the Pride campaign was launched for the first time in 2019. This led to LRF being able to expand its reach and cumulatively fund over 300 projects working across 25 countries in Africa. Fast forward to 2024 and at least 50 percent of the sites where LRF is investing are already showing either stable or an increasing population of lions. LRF has also helped sustain livelihoods and employ thousands of people throughout Africa. It has also removed 83,000 snares that could harm wildlife. It also has brought communities together to co-develop solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. With the funding that comes from relaunching this campaign, LRF will be able to invest in innovative and effective projects throughout Africa that can recover lions, restore their landscapes, and support sustainable economic development. All of this will help achieve a future with thriving savannah landscapes where both people and lions in Africa can coexist.
“The fight to recover Africa’s lions must begin with a holistic approach that protects not only the species, but also the landscapes they depend on and the people who share their environments,” said Peter Lindsey, Director of WCN’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF). “Truly protecting lions means addressing the full spectrum of threats they face, from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict to the growing pressures of wildlife trade. Our sustained collaboration with Disney has helped the LRF make significant improvements in these areas. We look forward to continuing our work together.”
Disney has been dedicated for a long time to supporting a healthier planet for people and wildlife through a commitment called Disney Planet Possible. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed over $125 million to community-based efforts to help protect over 1,000 species of wildlife. This spans half of the countries of the world and all five oceans. It also includes nearly $25 million directed to projects across Africa.
For more information about Disney’s commitment to Protect the Pride alongside the release of Mufasa: The Lion King, visit Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride. Disney shared that “when we protect lions, we protect the circle of life.” Fans are also invited to be a part of The Lion King legacy when they visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort or their local Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited institution. Fans can also The Lion King musical on Broadway or on its North America tour, or prepare for Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters by streaming lion-inspired titles on Disney+.
Mufasa: The Lion King Official Description
Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe. The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending liveaction filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.
What do you think of the relaunching of Protect the Pride? What do you think of the progress that has been made on the conservation of lions? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
