Created for a grad school project and built from a Disney press release, this presentation introduces Animal Kingdom cast members to the Disney Conservation Fund, and encourages them to guide guests to round up their purchases, with the intent of donating extra funds (which Disney then matches).
“Welcome to Daklimation! We’re so glad to have you as a cast member here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our park is quite unique and special, not only because its landscape is lush and you might meet a kangaroo, but because you are here./ DAK cast members are special because of their commitment to the planet. And the Walt Disney Company is as well. /Animal Kingdom is the home park for the Disney Conservation Fund, and you play a unique role in raising guests’ awareness of this incredible opportunity to save animals. “
Slide 2: During its 25th anniversary year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is proud to continue providing critical support to community-led conservation efforts globally./ Support from the DCF will help provide key resources to carry forward efforts to bolster communities and protect wildlife. *
Slide 3: Here at Animal Kingdom, we’re passionate about saving animals in the wild./ That’s evident from animal manager Rachel Daneault’s unabashed joy watching western lowland gorilla Gino celebrate his 39th birthday with a storybook-worthy cake;/ and in the patience demonstrated by Dr. Dan Fredholm and Kenya the giraffe’s keepers as they wait for her to take the onestep that will place her foot in exactly the right location needed for a hoof trim. The process usually requires sedation, and this new technique will be simpler and safer for the giraffes (and—bonus!—even comes with a snack) (Deitchman, 2020, para.2). *
Slide 4: “People are the heart of every successful conservation effort,” says Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility (Deitchman, B. 2020). As Cast Members, / you are part of that effort. But before we enlist your help, I’d like to share a little of the magic that is being created for the planet, its animals, and many of its people. *
Slide 5: The DCF is supporting 50 conservation organizations working to protect more than 100 species through its Inspiring Action Conservation Grants Program this year; these include the following initiatives: *
Slide 6: TheUniversity of Central Florida (UCF) Research Foundation- The UCF Research Foundation is helping advance science and engage communities in the restoration of oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. / Oyster reefs provide essential services for healthy coastal ecosystems / and support the important habitats needed by multiple threatened species, including wading birds. *
Slide 7: The program also works with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida, engaging hospitalized kids as citizen-scientists / by asking them help to identify birds from remote wildlife cameras. *
Slide 8: The Global Penguin Society (GPS)-GPS has already had great success protecting penguins and their habitats, leading an effort to establish 32 million acres of terrestrial and marine protected areas in South America. This project will help support the conservation of Magellanic penguins in Argentina, / expanding research to help protect penguins / and working to address the threats they face, / from marine plastic pollution to climate change. *
Slide 9: It will also help engage local kids through nature experiences and educational resources, as well as host online classrooms with our partner National Geographic to engage thousands of kids around the world / on the actions they can take to help penguins and their ocean homes. *
Slide 10: Beneath the Waves- BTW plans to conduct a series of impactful scientific research expeditions to New Providence Island and the Exumas in The Bahamas, aimed at monitoring the behavior of sharks / to better understand the value that Marine Protected Areas play in their survival. This research is key for identifying critical habitats / and for demonstrating that long-term protections can benefit ecosystems and people. *
Slide 11: In addition, BTW will visit classrooms in the region to help kids – from primary school to high school – learn about the importance of sharks / and provide opportunities for students to join research trips to gain career skills in science and conservation. *
Slide 12: Conservation Fusion- CF is connecting people to the science of lemur and forest conservation through education, research, and leadership skills development / – thereby helping to create environmental stewards. Madagascar is home to 112 species of lemurs / – found nowhere else on earth /– and sadly, 94 percent of all lemurs are threatened with extinction. CF is working to address the threats lemurs face by working with local communities to highlight tangible benefits of eco-tourism, empower youth / and restore critical habitat by planting more than 60,000 trees each year. *
Slide 13: The enthusiasm of our dedicated Cast Members and Disney Conservation Team Wildlife staff is really what brings these stories of conservation to life. This love of animals and nature can be readily seen in our various parks, / resorts / and experiences. *
Slide 14: Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, has this to say in thanks, / “We are grateful for the generous contributions of our guests, that when combined with unwavering support from The Walt Disney Company, have helped the Disney Conservation Fund celebrate a milestone of more than $100 million in total conservation giving / since 1995” (D23, 2020). *
Slide 15: “The commitment of our community of Cast Members, guests, Disney fans and conservation partners around the world gives us hope / that we will make a meaningful difference in our mission to save wildlife / and protect this planet we call home.”
Kimberly Bryant, MA 