Disney Conservation Fund Wins Prestigious Ocean Award
Long known for their extensive philanthropic contributions, Disney Conservation Fund received yet another honor recently. This time, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) bestowed this year’s Ocean Champion Award on the fund in an announcement last week.
For over 20 years, the Disney Conservation Fund has worked with IFAW in supporting their oceanic causes as well as with terrestrial projects. The partnership began with a grant from Disney Conservation Fun to IFAW in support of their work with endangered African penguins following a South African oil spill, according to the press release issued by The Walt Disney Company.
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“Congratulations @DisneyConservation on receiving the Ocean Champion Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)!” cheered Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney Animals, Science, and Environment, in an Instagram post today.
North Atlantic right whales and Asian elephants top the list of critical species recently aided by IFAW’s conservation work, supported by the Disney Conservation Fund.
Specifically, the North Atlantic right whale project most likely factored into the Ocean Champion Award. This project aims to protect the incredible species from entanglement due to fishermen’s nets and gear. Instead, IFAW hopes to encourage the use of “rope-less fishing gear,” according to the Disney press release.
Congratulations, Disney Conservation Fund on all of your efforts global and the recent award!
Feature Image Credit: IFAW, NOAA Permit 21371 and Nick Hawkins