The Walt Disney Company has long been known for its commitment to conservation. Beyond Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has efforts that span the glove to protect our planet. One of the things it is trying to protect is at risk animals. Gorillas are at risk animals that Disney is trying to protect. Read how Disney is doing so with the Disney Conservation Fund below!
Disney’s Commitment to Conservation: Saving Gorillas
Disney’s commitment to protecting wildlife for future generations extends far beyond our theme parks. Through the Disney Conservation Fund, grants are provided to leading conservation organizations around the world to help stabilize and increase the population of at-risk animals — including gorillas in the wild. As their habitats in Africa are starting to disappear, these gentle giants continue to face threats like poaching, deforestation and infectious diseases.
One of Disney’s long-standing collaborations is with the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) — a conservation organization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Founded in 2009, GRACE partners with Congolese communities to create a living landscape where gorillas and people thrive. As part of their comprehensive conservation strategy, GRACE operates as the world’s only sanctuary for critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas, also known as eastern lowland gorillas, rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, poaching and habitat loss.
A Major Milestone in the Survival of Gorillas in the Wild
Today, we are joining our friends at GRACE to celebrate a major milestone — the rewilding of four critically endangered female Grauer’s gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. This reintroduction to the wild is the first time gorillas who have been living at the GRACE sanctuary have been rewilded.
The gorillas were released in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the largest-ever population reinforcement initiative in Africa. The rewilding of the gorillas aims to prevent the extinction of the isolated population of Grauer’s gorillas on Mt. Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park.
“Congratulations to our friends at GRACE and the many conservation organizations and local communities that came together for this momentous achievement and conservation success story in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “We thank GRACE for their collaboration and commitment to saving Grauer’s gorillas, protecting habitats and inspiring communities throughout the world.”
Disney’s Collaboration with GRACE
Disney’s involvement with GRACE dates back more than 15 years ago when the center was founded. In addition to funding through the Disney Conservation Fund, Disney experts helped local communities design and build the sanctuary, and Disney cast members continue to support GRACE’s Congolese staff by lending their expertise to advise on the care and conservation of this iconic species, and inform GRACE’s education outreach strategy that engages over 60,000 community members per year.
Disney animal care experts, scientists, veterinarians and education specialists have helped offer support and train GRACE’s community, animal care and education staff.
“Being part of this journey with the GRACE staff has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Rachel Daneault, animal care manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment who has worked with GRACE since the very start. “We’ve shared a vision and poured our hearts into making this a reality, and their passion and commitment have inspired me every step of the way. I’m truly honored to have walked this path with them.”
To learn more about how GRACE cares for rescued gorillas and works hand-in-hand with Congolese communities to protect gorillas and their habitat, visit www.gracegorillas.org.
Protecting the Magic of Nature
GRACE is one example of the many collaborations the Disney Conservation Fund has with global organizations – on every continent, in half the countries around the world and all five oceans.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.
To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com.
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